The Philosophy behind Quantum Gravity
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Published
06-09-2006
Henrik ZINKERNAGEL
Abstract
This paper investigates some of the philosophical and conceptual issues raised by the search for a quantum theory of gravity. It is critically discussed whether such a theory is necessary in the first place, and how much would be accomplished if it is eventually constructed. I argue that the motivations behind, and expectations to, a theory of quantum gravity are entangled with central themes in the philosophy of science, in particular unification, reductionism, and the interpretation of quantum mechanics. I further argue that there are —contrary to claims made on behalf of string theory— no good reasons to think that a quantum theory of gravity, if constructed, will provide a theory of everything, that is, a fundamental theory from which all physics in principle can be derived.
How to Cite
ZINKERNAGEL, H. (2006). The Philosophy behind Quantum Gravity. THEORIA. An International Journal for Theory, History and Foundations of Science, 21(3), 295–312. https://doi.org/10.1387/theoria.522
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Keywords
reductionism, quantum gravity, quantum mechanics, unity of physics.
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Section
ARTICLES
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