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Time and Singularity

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Abstract

We show that the occurrence of quantum gravitational collapse and, more generally, the validity of Wheeler’s “rule of unanimity” are inextricably linked to the classical choice of time. The crucial distinction is between “fast” and “slow” times, that is, between times which give rise to complete or incomplete classical evolution respectively. We conjecture that unitary slow-time quantum dynamics is always non-singular, while unitary fast-time quantum dynamics inevitably leads to collapse. These findings are illustrated by an analysis of the dust-filled Friedmann-Lemaître-Robertson-Walker universes.

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Dedicated to the memory of a colleague and friend, Arsène Boury (J.D.)

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© 1984 D. Reidel Publishing Company, Dordrecht, Holland

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Demaret, J., Gotay, M.J. (1984). Time and Singularity. In: Berger, A. (eds) The Big Bang and Georges Lemaître. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-6487-7_11

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-6487-7_11

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-94-009-6489-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-009-6487-7

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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