Time is not the problem

Details Time is not the problem Time is not the problem

2009-04-22

arxiv.org/abs/0904.3520v1

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology

Article submitted to the "The Nature of Time" contest of the FQXi foundation. It received a 4th prize

Scientific paper

Attempts to quantize general relativity encounter an odd problem. The Hamiltonian that normally generates time evolution vanishes in the case of general relativity as a result of diffeomorphism invariance. The theory seems to be saying that time does not exist. The most obvious feature of our world, namely that time seems to progress and that the world changes accordingly becomes a problem in this presumably fundamental theory. This is called the problem of time. In this essay we argue that this problem is the result of an unphysical idealization. We are caught in this "problem of time" trap because we took a wrong turn in the early days of relativity by permanently including a split of geometry and matter into our physical theories. We show that another possibility exists that circumvents the problem of time and also sheds new light on other problems like the cosmological constant problem and the horizon problem in early universe cosmology.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Time is not the problem does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Time is not the problem, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Time is not the problem will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-275540