Introduction, The Interviews: 1. Jan Ambjørn; 2. Nima Arkani-Hamed; 3. Abhay Ashtekar; 4. Jan de Boer; 5. Steven Carlip; 6. Alain Connes; 7. Robbert Dijkgraaf; 8. Bianca Dittrich; 9. Fay Dowker; 10. Laurent Freidel; 11. Steven Giddings; 12. Rajesh Gopakumar; 13. David J. Gross; 14. Gerard 't Hooft; 15. Petr Horava; 16. Renate Loll; 17. Juan Maldacena; 18. Shiraz Minwalla; 19. Hermann Nicolai; 20. Roger Penrose; 21. Joseph Polchinski; 22. Alexander Polyakov; 23. Martin Reuter; 24. Carlo Rovelli; 25. Nathan Seiberg; 26. Ashoke Sen; 27. Eva Silverstein; 28. Lee Smolin; 29. Rafael Sorkin; 30. Andrew Strominger; 31. Leonard Susskind; 32. Thomas Thiemann; 33. Cumrun Vafa; 34. Erik Verlinde; 35. Steven Weinberg; 36. Frank Wilczek; 37. Edward Witten; Index.
Leading theorists share their important insights into the ongoing quest of theoretical physics to find a quantum theory of gravity.
Jácome (Jay) Armas is an assistant professor at the Institute of Physics and coordinator of the Dutch Institute for Emergent Phenomena, University of Amsterdam. He completed his Ph.D. at the Niels Bohr Institute and held postdoctoral positions at the University of Bern and Université Libre de Bruxelles. His research interests span foundational issues in string theory, hydrodynamics and black holes, as well as emergent phenomena in quantum and soft matter. In addition to his research activities, he established the international science outreach platform and event series Science & Cocktails. This volume, compiled over more than 10 years of mainly in-person interviews, is his gift to the physics community.
'The two great achievements in fundamental physics of the 20th
century are quantum mechanics, embodied in the standard model of
particle physics, and general relativity, Einstein's theory of
gravity. Their reconciliation is the challenge that is addressed in
these fascinating interviews with many of the leading experts.
Superstring theory, also developed in the 20th century, is the
leading candidate to provide the answer, but other ideas are being
explored. The wide range of viewpoints presented gives the reader a
sense of this profound challenge.' John H. Schwartz, Harold Brown
Professor of Theoretical Physics, Emeritus, Caltech
'Conversations on Quantum Gravity is a unique resource for students
and researchers of quantum gravity, for philosophers and
sociologists of science, and for future historians of physics.
Jácome Armas has admirably accomplished a herculean task: 37
interviews, peppered with his provocative questions informed by a
broad appreciation of the scope of the physics problems and the
panoply of approaches to solving them, and copiously referenced to
the relevant literature.' Ted Jacobson, Distinguished University
Professor, University of Maryland
'This book presents an unconventional ten-year 'long-exposure
photograph' of the evolving research field of quantum gravity. In
this field, there is potential for breakthroughs in interlinking
diverse approaches, many of which are covered in this book. Thus
the book provides an informative read to complement more
specialised textbooks. It is suitable for students, researchers and
anyone interested in learning what practitioners of quantum gravity
consider as the critical obstacles to understanding quantum
spacetime.' Astrid Eichhorn, CP3-Origins, University of Southern
Denmark
'… students and professionals will find the book an excellent
portal into the field … Highly recommended.' A. Spero, Choice
Magazine
'As the title states, it consists of experts discussing their
research, but at a level which should be accessible to all
physicists who have a basic idea as to why a theory of quantum
gravity is worth looking for. I recommend it highly to those and to
future historians who want to know what those people were really
thinking.' Phillip Helbig, The Observatory
'… excellent for quantum gravity researchers, especially young ones
…' Alexander S. Blum, Foundations of Physics
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