Reassessing the problem of time of quantum gravity
Mozota Frauca, Álvaro (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Departament de Filosofia)

Date:	2023
Abstract:	In this paper I raise a worry about the most extended resolutions of the problem of time of canonical quantizations of general relativity. The reason for this is that these resolutions are based on analogies with deparametrizable models for which the problem can be solved, while I argue in this paper that there are good reasons for doubting about these resolutions when the theory is not deparametrizable, which is the case of general relativity. I introduce an example of a non-deparametrizable model, a double harmonic oscillator system expressed by its Jacobi action, and argue that the problem of time for this model is not solvable, in the sense that its canonical quantization doesn't lead to the quantum theory of two harmonic oscillators and the standard resolutions of the problem of time don't work for this case. I argue that as general relativity is strongly analogous to this model, one should take seriously the view that the canonical quantization of general relativity doesn't lead to a meaningful quantum theory. Finally, I comment that this has an impact on the foundations of different approaches to quantum gravity.
Grants:	European Commission 758145 Agencia Estatal de Investigación PID2019-108762GB-I00
Note:	Altres ajuts: acords transformatius de la UAB
Rights:	Aquest document està subjecte a una llicència d'ús Creative Commons. Es permet la reproducció total o parcial, la distribució, la comunicació pública de l'obra i la creació d'obres derivades, fins i tot amb finalitats comercials, sempre i quan es reconegui l'autoria de l'obra original.
Language:	Anglès
Document:	Article ; recerca ; Versió publicada
Subject:	Quantum gravity ; Problem of time ; General relativity ; Canonical quantization ; Constrained systems
Published in:	General Relativity and Gravitation, Vol. 55, Issue 1 (January 2023) , art. 21, ISSN 1572-9532

DOI: 10.1007/s10714-023-03067-x

37 p, 542.1 KB

The record appears in these collections:
Articles > Research articles
Articles > Published articles