FQXi grant awardee abstracts (novel time ideas)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the abstracts of grant awardees from FQXi, specifically focusing on innovative ideas related to the nature of time. Participants explore various proposals and their implications within the realms of theoretical physics, quantum gravity, and the philosophical aspects of time.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants highlight Julian Barbour's proposal, which aims to show that the structure of space determines the dynamics of space and the physical properties of time, emphasizing a relational approach to classical dynamics.
  • Others express interest in David Rideout's work, which seeks to reconcile the differing notions of time in General Relativity and Quantum Theory, proposing a model based on discrete elements and the histories formulation of quantum theory.
  • One participant notes the potential value of Rideout's approach, suggesting it should receive conventional funding due to its relevance and applicability in quantum gravity models.
  • Some participants express a lack of interest in many of the abstracts, indicating that personal perspectives may vary regarding the intrigue of the research ideas presented.
  • A later reply discusses the historical context of similar work done by Renate Loll's group, suggesting that Rideout's proposal may build upon or extend previous findings in causal set quantum gravity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the abstracts' overall value, with some expressing enthusiasm for specific proposals while others remain indifferent or critical. Multiple competing views regarding the significance and interest of the research ideas are present.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention the historical context of previous research in quantum gravity, indicating that the discussion may depend on interpretations of earlier findings and the evolving nature of theoretical frameworks.

  • #61
atyy said:
ST has proven its worth beyond any doubt.

But details aside, I do agree that FQXi is unlikely to fund a lone wolf.

I think our disagreement is that I think we don't need lone wolves, but you think we do.

Maybe Perelman is such a case. I don't understand the mathematics, but some have said he was after all preceded by Thurston and Hamilton.

Or if we do, then by definition they must be lone. Can we engineer society to create them? What really gave rise to Bach, Beethoven and Brahms? It is still disconcerting to me that the very same culture that gave us those things, also gave us Nazism. (I suppose you could argue it wasn't the "same" culture.)

ST ? superstring theory ?
 
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  • #62
aDS/CFT and Holographic developments are valuable, it is not certain that they would not exist without string work, but it is true that they are results of the effort which proved useful in other areas.
 

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