Overview

Quantum gravity is the name given to a theory that unites general relativity - Einstein's theory of gravitation and spacetime - with quantum field theory, our framework for describing non-gravitational forces. The Structural Foundations of Quantum Gravity brings together philosophers and physicists to discuss a range of conceptual issues that surface in the effort to unite these theories, focusing in particular on the ontological nature of the spacetime that results. Although there has been a great deal written about quantum gravity from the perspective of physicists and mathematicians, very little attention has been paid to the philosophical aspects. This volume closes that gap, with essays written by some of the leading researchers in the field. Individual papers defend or attack a structuralist perspective on the fundamental ontologies of our physical theories, which offers the possibility of shedding new light on a number of foundational problems. It is a book that will be of interest not only to physicists and philosophers of physics but to anyone concerned with foundational issues and curious to explore new directions in our understanding of spacetime and quantum physics.

Full Product Details

Author:   Dean Rickles (University of Calgary, Canada) ,  Steven French (University of Leeds) ,  Juha T. Saatsi (University of Manchester)
Publisher:   Oxford University Press
Imprint:   Oxford University Press
Dimensions:   Width: 16.00cm , Height: 2.30cm , Length: 24.00cm
Weight:   0.584kg
ISBN:  

9780199269693

ISBN 10:   0199269696
Pages:   284
Publication Date:   16 November 2006
Audience:   College/higher education ,  Professional and scholarly ,  Tertiary & Higher Education ,  Undergraduate
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   To order  
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Table of Contents

1: D. P. Rickles and S. R. D. French: Quantum Gravity Meets Structuralism: Interweaving Relations in the Foundations of Physics 2: T. Y. Cao: Structural Realism and Quantum Gravity 3: J. Stachel: Structure, Individuality, and Quantum Gravity 4: O. Pooley: Points, Particles, and Structural Realism 5: M. Dorato and M. Pauri: Holism and Structuralism in Classical and Quantum GR 6: D. P. Rickles: Time and Structure in Canonical Gravity 7: L. Smolin: The Case for Background Independence 8: J. C. Baez: Quantum Quandaries: A Category-Theoretic Perspective

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