Struggles with the Continuum
Mathematical Physics
2020-02-04 v4 General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology
High Energy Physics - Theory
math.MP
History and Philosophy of Physics
Abstract
Our assumption that spacetime is a continuum leads to many challenges in mathematical physics. Singularities, divergent integrals and the like threaten many of our favorite theories, from Newtonian gravity to classical electrodynamics, quantum electrodynamics and the Standard Model. In general relativity, singularities are intimately connected to some of the theory's most dramatic successful predictions. We survey these problems and the large amount of work that has gone into dealing with them.
Cite
@article{arxiv.1609.01421,
title = {Struggles with the Continuum},
author = {John C. Baez},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1609.01421},
year = {2020}
}