Is it time to rethink quantum gravity?
- URL: http://arxiv.org/abs/2310.12221v1
- Date: Wed, 18 Oct 2023 18:01:05 GMT
- Title: Is it time to rethink quantum gravity?
- Authors: Jonathan Oppenheim
- Abstract summary: It's widely believed that gravity should have a quantum nature like every other force.
I discuss arguments for this proposition, but ultimately conclude that we must turn to experiment to guide us.
- Score: 0.0
- License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/
- Abstract: Although it's widely believed that gravity should have a quantum nature like
every other force, the conceptual obstacles to constructing a quantum theory of
gravity compel us to explore other perspectives. Gravity is not like any other
force. It alone defines a universal space-time geometry, upon which quantum
fields evolve. We feel gravity because matter causes space-time to bend. Time
flows at unequal rates at different locations. The rate at which time flows,
and the causal structure it provides, may be required to have a classical
description in order for quantum theory to be well-formulated. I discuss
arguments for this proposition, but ultimately conclude that we must turn to
experiment to guide us.
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