Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal Fay Dowker: Causal Set Theory, Quantum Gravity, Consciousness, Non-Locality, Stephen Hawking
Jun 26, 2024
Fay Dowker, a renowned Professor of theoretical physics, dives into her groundbreaking work on causal set theory and its critical link to quantum gravity. She discusses the dichotomy between general relativity and quantum mechanics, addressing complexities like cosmic constants and dark energy. Fay also humorously intertwines consciousness with quantum theories, probing the nature of time. Moreover, she shares insights on the challenges and future of theoretical physics, urging newcomers to engage boldly in scientific discourse.
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Conceptual Clash in Physics
- Reconciling general relativity and quantum theory is difficult due to their differing concepts of spacetime.
- Quantum theory assumes fixed spacetime, while general relativity treats it as dynamic, creating a conceptual clash.
Quantum Gravity: Beyond Quantum Field Theory?
- Quantum gravity might not be a quantum field theory like the Standard Model.
- Dowker believes it will be a quantum theory requiring advancements in our understanding of quantum theory itself.
Linearized Gravity's Limits
- Linearized quantum gravity works until Planck scale energies, where backreaction becomes important.
- The breakdown at the Planck scale indicates where new physics should be sought.