The Structural Foundations of Quantum Gravity (Hardcover)

Hardcover. 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 spacetimethat 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 volumecloses 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 ofspacetime and quantum physics. What is spacetime? General relativity and quantum field theory answer this question in different ways. This collection of essays looks at the problem of uniting these two fundamental theories of our world, focusing on the nature of space and time within this quantum framework. This item is printed on demand. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability.