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SYET: Symposium Emergent Time

SYET 2: Emergent Time II

SYET 2.1: Plenary Talk

Monday, March 3, 2008, 14:00–14:45, KGI-HS 1199

Emergence of Time from Quantum Gravity — •Claus Kiefer — Institut für Theoretische Physik, Universität zu Köln

It is generally believed that there is a more fundamental theory than general relativity, which is obtained by employing a quantum description of the gravitational field: a theory of quantum gravity. The fundamental equations of such a theory seem to be of a timeless nature.

In my talk, I shall first review the approach where this issue is most clearly seen: canonical quantum gravity. I shall then discuss a new concept of time and its consequences at the fundamental level. A major part of my talk is devoted to the demonstration of how the classical concept of time can emerge from quantum gravity in appropriate limits. A central role is played therein by the emergence of classical properties through decoherence. I shall conclude with some remarks concerning the arrow of time and its derivation from quantum gravity.