Background Independence in Classical and Quantum Gravity
Background Independence in Classical and Quantum Gravity
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Einstein's 1915 theory of General Relativity is often claimed to be distinguished from other theories of space and time due to its background independence, but this book challenges this claim and explores the space of possible definitions of background independence and applies them to classical and quantum theories of gravity. It finds that General Relativity is not unique in this regard and that the situation in the case of quantum theories of gravity is delicate, with some viable theories failing to be background independent and others being better classified as background independent.
Format: Unspecified
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 09 November 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press
It is frequently asserted that Einstein's magnum opus, his 1915 theory of General Relativity, sets itself apart from other theories of space and time due to its inherent background independence. Furthermore, it is commonly believed that background independence is a fundamental characteristic of any quantum theory of gravity. However, the validity of these claims remains a subject of debate. This book aims to provide definitive answers to both of these questions by (a) exploring the range of possible definitions of background independence and (b) applying these definitions to various classical and quantum theories of gravity.
In summary, the findings are as follows: General Relativity does not possess a unique characteristic of background independence, and indeed, fails to meet certain popular definitions of the concept. Moreover, the situation in the realm of quantum theories of gravity is intricate, as there exist viable theories that, by certain accounts, fail to be background independent, while also, there exist theories, such as perturbative string theory, that have often been disregarded or labeled as background dependent. However, upon closer examination, these theories can be more accurately classified as background independent, based on various accounts.
To achieve these results, this book endeavors to present a rigorous and comprehensive analysis, aiming to elevate the standards and generality of future discussions on background independence in the foundations of spacetime theories.
Weight: 402g
Dimension: 163 x 241 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192889119
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