Does quantum mechanics clash with the equivalence principle -- and does it matter?

DOI10.1007/S13194-010-0009-ZzbMATH Open1257.81002arXiv1008.5192OpenAlexW2111906782WikidataQ125291223 ScholiaQ125291223MaRDI QIDQ693101FDOQ693101

Authors: E. Okon, Craig Callender 

Publication date: 7 December 2012

Published in: European Journal for Philosophy of Science (Search for Journal in Brave)

Abstract: With an eye on developing a quantum theory of gravity, many physicists have recently searched for quantum challenges to the equivalence principle of general relativity. However, as historians and philosophers of science are well aware, the principle of equivalence is not so clear. When clarified, we think quantum tests of the equivalence principle won't yield much. The problem is that the clash/not-clash is either already evident or guaranteed not to exist. Nonetheless, this work does help teach us what it means for a theory to be geometric.

Full work available at URL: https://arxiv.org/abs/1008.5192

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zbMATH Keywords

quantum gravityquantum mechanicsgeneral relativityequivalence principleuniversality of free fall

Mathematics Subject Classification ID

General and philosophical questions in quantum theory (81P05) Gravitational interaction in quantum theory (81V17) Quantization of the gravitational field (83C45)

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• The principle of equivalence

Cited In (14)

• THE EQUIVALENCE PRINCIPLE AND QUANTUM MECHANICS: A THEME IN HARMONY
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• Conflict between the classical equivalence principle and quantum mechanics
• IS THE EQUIVALENCE PRINCIPLE DOOMED FOREVER TO DANTE'S INFERNO ON ACCOUNT OF QUANTUM MECHANICS?
• Is quantum mechanics incompatible with Newton's first law?
• Quantum vacuum near non-rotating compact objects
• Quantum equivalence principle without mass superselection
• Free fall in KvN mechanics and Einstein's principle of equivalence
• Can quantum probes satisfy the weak equivalence principle?
• Is the Wheeler–DeWitt equation more fundamental than the Schrödinger equation?
• Entanglement-induced deviation from the geodesic motion in quantum gravity
• Deterrents to a theory of quantum gravity
• Implementation of the quantum equivalence principle
• Watching the clocks: interpreting the Page-Wootters formalism and the internal quantum reference frame programme

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