Theoretical Physics Study Path (it's about tetrads....)

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the role of tetrads in theoretical physics, particularly in the context of modern unification theories such as string theory, supersymmetry, and loop quantum gravity. Participants explore whether tetrads can be considered fundamental objects or merely tools for working with spinors, as well as the challenges of navigating relevant literature on the topic.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to specialize in tetrads, believing they represent fundamental physical properties and seeks guidance on their role in modern theories.
  • Another participant points out a contradiction in the original post regarding the need for guidance and the claim of having found a specialization.
  • A participant notes the absence of a comprehensive list of tetrad fields in modern theories and distinguishes between studying a subject for its own sake and finding relevant literature.
  • Some participants argue that tetrads are not a standalone subject but rather a useful tool in differential geometry, suggesting that coordinate bases could serve similar purposes.
  • Multiple participants emphasize the importance of consulting academic advisors for guidance, with some questioning the effectiveness of seeking broader input from the forum.
  • One participant mentions the variability in the quality of academic advisors, particularly in different educational contexts, which could affect the advice given.
  • A later reply clarifies that the original poster should have framed their question more specifically regarding theories where tetrads are foundational rather than merely tools.
  • Another participant expresses frustration over presumptions made about their knowledge and the relevance of their inquiry, ultimately indicating they have found an answer to their question.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion contains multiple competing views regarding the nature of tetrads and their role in theoretical physics. There is no consensus on whether tetrads are fundamental objects or merely tools, and participants express differing opinions on the necessity of consulting academic advisors versus seeking broader input from the forum.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the availability of literature on tetrads in modern theories and the implications of their use in theoretical frameworks. The discussion also highlights the challenges of articulating questions in a way that effectively communicates the inquirer's background and needs.

modellatore
Messages
7
Reaction score
7
I'm a graduate theoretical physics student at the (almost) end of his master's degree with a fairly varied curriculum, as I attended both QFT (and sub-courses on qed qcd etc) and GR courses. However in my latest intro to quantum gravity classes I familiarised with tetrads and, after a lot of research, I think I found the subject I'd like to specialize in, as I believe they express many interesting and (perhaps) fundamental physical properties. So i guess my questions are:

-How do tetrads fit in modern unification theories (string th., supersymmetry, loop q.g. etc)?
-Is there one of them (or another) where they enter as more fundamental objects rather than a tool to deal with spinors?

Any guidance on the subject is welcome, as I have not the tools and knowledge to navigate all the bibliography to form a solid opinion myself.

Cheers
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Delta2
Physics news on Phys.org
modellatore said:
However in my latest intro to quantum gravity classes I familiarised with tetrads and, after a lot of research, I think I found the subject I'd like to specialize in, as I believe they express many interesting and (perhaps) fundamental physical properties.

modellatore said:
Any guidance on the subject is welcome, as I have not the tools and knowledge to navigate all the bibliography to form a solid opinion myself.
These two sentences appear to contradict one another.
 
  • Like
  • Wow
Likes   Reactions: vela, Delta2 and Vanadium 50
Unfortunately there's no "tetrad fields in modern theories" list, and I can't go read every publication with "tetrad" in it. So no, studying something for something's sake is different from finding "all the bibliography" where it appears in modern theories
 
I would not classify tetrads as a subject in and of itself. They are a useful tool in some situations in differential geometry but whatever you can do using tetrads you in principle could do using coordinate bases as well.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Delta2
Why are you not having this conversation with your advisor? That's what they are there for.
 
Vanadium 50 said:
Why are you not having this conversation with your advisor? That's what they are there for.
Ok but what are PF academic advisors for?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Hall
Vanadium 50 said:
Why are you not having this conversation with your advisor? That's what they are there for.
Advisors and professors are not omniscent. The broader audience the higher the chance of an interesting response, but I'm now reconsidering such conclusion
 
  • Love
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: PeroK and Delta2
Delta2 said:
Ok but what are PF academic advisors for?
Certainly not as a replacement for advisors at one's university.
 
Vanadium 50 said:
Certainly not as a replacement for advisors at one's university.
As he said advisors at a university are not omniscient but he also might have really bad advisors that know nothing about tetrads. At least if he is in a Greek university you never know what you get there lol. From Gods to scrubs as advisors lol.
 
  • #10
@Delta2 -- he needs to be talking to his advisor. We can supplement this, but not replace it. In short -0 you are giving bad advice.
 
  • Like
  • Skeptical
Likes   Reactions: Delta2 and berkeman
  • #11
Vanadium 50 said:
@Delta2 -- he needs to be talking to his advisor. We can supplement this, but not replace it. In short -0 you are giving bad advice.
Assuming what I did and what I did not before asking a wider group of people is extremely presumptuos. Especially given the fact that neither my advisor, nor you, clearly knew the answer to my question. The difference is you're [Mild insult deleted by the Mentors]. The closest answer was Teleparallel Gravity. Case closed
Edit: a good take on this matter is in Delta2's signature.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Delta2
  • #12
Sure it's presumptuous. The alternative, though, is "Why did you talk with your advisor and aren't telling us what he said?" Those are the only two options - and which is more presumptuous?

If you` don't provide facts,m people are going to presume. Since you dion't want to provdie all the facts (nor is it practical) and you don't want people to presume, I can only encourage them to stay silent.

Is that really want you want?
 
  • #13
Vanadium 50 said:
Sure it's presumptuous. The alternative, though, is "Why did you talk with your advisor and aren't telling us what he said?" Those are the only two options - and which is more presumptuous?

If you` don't provide facts,m people are going to presume. Since you dion't want to provdie all the facts (nor is it practical) and you don't want people to presume, I can only encourage them to stay silent.

Is that really want you want?
I really just wanted someone with enough knowledge in alternative gravity theories/GUTs to give their contribution to a simple question. I totally agree than peripherical details can be helpful, just not here. I should have formulated it as "IF, and only IF, you know of a theory where tetrads are foundational objects rather than tools to fidget with spinors, could you give me its name?".

Every extra bit is pointless, as what I might or might not know wouldn't help who already knows the answer to such question, as intriguing as it is to debate on the legitimacy of one's right to ask strangers. Not to mention, without the detail of me being a graduate student, there wouldn't have been this discussion in the first place. Who would have I been? A curious kid? A guy with a bet on the legitimacy of tetrads? A professor in search for something new?

However, now I'm a guy with an answer, and that's what I call a relief
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Delta2
  • #14
Thread closed temporarily for Moderation...
 
  • Wow
Likes   Reactions: Delta2
  • #15
modellatore said:
However, now I'm a guy with an answer, and that's what I call a relief
Since you have your answer, this thread will remain closed.
 
  • Sad
Likes   Reactions: Delta2

Similar threads

Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
905
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
794
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
4K
Replies
35
Views
6K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
5K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
7K