"If not spacetime, then what?" -- Dr. Yasha Neiman

Internal Seminar: Yasha Neiman, Assistant Professor, Quantum Gravity Unit (Neiman Unit)

Title: "If not spacetime, then what?"

 

 

Abstract: "For geometry, you know, is the gate of science, and the gate is so low and small that one can only enter it as a little child". This turn of phrase by William Clifford correctly describes the central role of geometry in physics. The geometry of spacetime sets the underlying structure for most of our equations. The great exception is General Relativity, or, as some may call it, gravity. There, the spacetime is a dynamical object, its geometry shaped by the equations of motion, rather than the other way around. With some difficulty, we have swallowed this. However, things get harder once we include quantum mechanics. Now, spacetime has no concrete shape at all, just like an electron has no concrete position. To wrap our heads around this one is the project of quantum gravity. I will describe some approaches, which often cling to the geometry of some object other than spacetime itself.

 

Refreshments will be served afterwards. We hope to see you there!

 

Sincerely,

Internal Seminar Organizing Committee:

 

Marylka Yoe Uusisaari

Bianca Sieveritz 
Rob Campbell 

Margaret Mars-Brisbin

Jonathan Ward 
Lauren Dembeck 
Maéva Techer 
Jigyasa Arora

Yuka Suzuki