Classical and Quantum Physical Geometry
| dc.creator | Anandan, Jeeva S. | |
| dc.date | 1997-12-02 | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-07-07T03:32:03Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-07-07T03:32:03Z | |
| dc.description | The task of quantizing gravity is compared with Einstein's relativization of gravity. The philosophical and physical foundations of general relativity are briefly reviewed. The Ehlers-Pirani-Schild scheme of operationally determining the geometry of space-time, using freely falling classical particle trajectories, is done using operations in an infinitesimal neighborhood around each point. The study of the free fall of a quantum wave suggests a quantum principle of equivalence. The principle of general covariance is clarified. The sign change of a Fermion field when rotated by $2π$ radians is used to argue for a quantum mechanical modification of space-time, which leads naturally to supersymmetry. A novel effect in quantum gravity due to the author is used to extend Einstein's hole argument to quantum gravity. This suggests a quantum principle of general covariance, according to which the fundamental laws of physics should be covariant under `quantum diffeomorphisms'. This heuristic principle implies that space-time points have no invariant meaning in quantum gravity. | |
| dc.description | 31 pages, tex, 1 figure. Published in Potentiality, Entanglement and Passion-at-a-distance - Quantum Mechanical Studies for Abner Shimony, vol. 2, edited by R. S. Cohen, M. Horne and J. Stachel, (Kluwer, Dordrecht, Holland 1997), p. 31-52 | |
| dc.identifier | https://arxiv.org/abs/gr-qc/9712015 | |
| dc.identifier | http://arxiv.org/abs/gr-qc/9712015 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | http://salesiana.dossiersoluciones.com/handle/123456789/36088 | |
| dc.subject | General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology | |
| dc.subject | High Energy Physics - Theory | |
| dc.title | Classical and Quantum Physical Geometry | |
| dc.type | text |