Classical and Quantum Physical Geometry

Introductory Abstract

The task of creating a quantum theory of gravity is compared with Einstein’s creation of a relativistic theory of gravity. The philosophical and physical foundations of this theory are briefly reviewed. The Ehlers-Pirani-Schild scheme of operationally determining the geometry of space-time, using freely falling classical particle trajectories, is done using operations in an infinitesimal neighborhood around each point. The study of the free fall of a quantum wave suggests a quantum principle of equivalence. The principle of general covariance is clarified. The sign change of a Fermion field when rotated by 2π radians is used to argue for a quantum mechanical modification of space-time, which leads naturally to supersymmetry. A novel effect in quantum gravity due to the author is used to extend Einstein’s hole argument to quantum gravity. This suggests a quantum principle of general covariance, according to which the fundamental laws of physics should be covariant under “quantum diffeomorphisms”. This heuristic principle implies that space-time points have no invariant meaning in quantum gravity.