From timeless physical theory to timelessness
Update: 2010-12-03
Description
Peter Evans
The extent to which Julian Barbour's Machian formulation of general relativity and his interpretation of canonical quantum gravity can be called timeless is addressed. We differentiate two types of timelessness in Barbour's work (1994a, 1994b and 1999) and attempt to refine Barbour's metaphysical claim by providing an account of the essential features of time through considerations of the representation of time in physical theory. We argue that Barbour's claim of timelessness is dubious with respect to his Machian formulation of general relativity but warranted with respect to his interpretation of canonical quantum gravity. We conclude by discussing some of the implications of Barbour's view.
The extent to which Julian Barbour's Machian formulation of general relativity and his interpretation of canonical quantum gravity can be called timeless is addressed. We differentiate two types of timelessness in Barbour's work (1994a, 1994b and 1999) and attempt to refine Barbour's metaphysical claim by providing an account of the essential features of time through considerations of the representation of time in physical theory. We argue that Barbour's claim of timelessness is dubious with respect to his Machian formulation of general relativity but warranted with respect to his interpretation of canonical quantum gravity. We conclude by discussing some of the implications of Barbour's view.
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