Topics in Quantum Gravity

Abstract

I wish to share with you today three separate developments in quantum gravity theory that have excited my interest during recent months. The first of these is a computer search, being carried out by my student Richard Rohwer, for a solution representing the Big Bang era, of the dynamical equations generated by a proposed approximate effective action for quantum gravity. The second is a surprising new development in the theory of the effective action due to Gregory Vilkovisky of Moscow. The third is a new attempt to confront and resolve the old question whether the notion that space may undergo spontaneous changes in topology can make any sense. It is being carried out in collaboration with my student Arley Anderson.