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Science Philosophy & Social Aspects

The Structural Foundations of Quantum Gravity

edited by Dean Rickles, Steven French & Juha T. Saatsi

Publisher
Oxford University Press
Initial publish date
Nov 2006
Category
Philosophy & Social Aspects
  • Hardback

    ISBN
    9780199269693
    Publish Date
    Nov 2006
    List Price
    $142.95

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Description

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 spacetime that 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 volume closes 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 of spacetime and quantum physics.

About the authors

Contributor Notes

Dean Rickles is at University of Calgary, Canada. Steven French is at University of Leeds.