Conversations on Quantum Gravity

Conversations on Quantum Gravity
Jacome (Jay) Armas
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Hardback
Not defined - 550pg
31 Aug 2021 UK
International import eta 7-19 days
9781107168879
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The holy grail of theoretical physics is to find the theory of everything that combines all the forces of nature, including gravity. This book addresses the question: how far are we from such discovery? Over the last few decades, multiple roads to finding a quantum theory of gravity have been proposed but no obvious description of nature has emerged in this domain. What is to be made of this situation? This volume probes the state-of-the art in this daunting quest of theoretical physics by collecting critical interviews with nearly forty leading theorists in this field. These broad-ranging conversations give important insights and candid opinions on the various approaches to quantum gravity, including string theory, loop quantum gravity, causal set theory and asymptotic safety. This unique, readable overview provides a gateway into cutting edge research for students and others who wish to engage with the open problem of quantum gravity.
' The two great achievements in fundamental physics of the 20th century are quantum mechanics, embodied in the standard model of particle physics, and general relativity, Einstein' s theory of gravity. Their reconciliation is the challenge that is addressed in these fascinating interviews with many of the leading experts. Superstring theory, also developed in the 20th century, is the leading candidate to provide the answer, but other ideas are being explored. The wide range of viewpoints presented gives the reader a sense of this profound challenge. ' John H. Schwartz, Harold Brown Professor of Theoretical Physics, Emeritus, Caltech ' Conversations on Quantum Gravity is a unique resource for students and researchers of quantum gravity, for philosophers and sociologists of science, and for future historians of physics. Jacome Armas has admirably accomplished a herculean task: 37 interviews, peppered with his provocative questions informed by a broad appreciation of the scope of the physics problems and the panoply of approaches to solving them, and copiously referenced to the relevant literature. ' Ted Jacobson, Distinguished University Professor, University of Maryland ' This book presents an unconventional ten-year ' long-exposure photograph' of the evolving research field of quantum gravity. In this field, there is potential for breakthroughs in interlinking diverse approaches, many of which are covered in this book. Thus the book provides an informative read to complement more specialised textbooks. It is suitable for students, researchers and anyone interested in learning what practitioners of quantum gravity consider as the critical obstacles to understanding quantum spacetime. ' Astrid Eichhorn, CP3-Origins, University of Southern Denmark
Jacome (Jay) Armas is an assistant professor at the Institute of Physics and coordinator of the Dutch Institute for Emergent Phenomena, University of Amsterdam. He completed his Ph. D. at the Niels Bohr Institute and held postdoctoral positions at the University of Bern and Universite Libre de Bruxelles. His research interests span foundational issues in string theory, hydrodynamics and black holes, as well as emergent phenomena in quantum and soft matter. In addition to his research activities, he established the international science outreach platform and event series Science & Cocktails. This volume, compiled over more than 10 years of mainly in-person interviews, is his gift to the physics community.
Status: Active
ISBN-13: 9781107168879
Published: 31 Aug 2021
Published In: United Kingdom
Imprint: Cambridge University Press
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Format: Hardback
Pages: 550

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