Struggles with the Continuum

DOI10.1017/9781108854399.007MaRDI QIDQ6277201arXivFDO

Authors C. John Baez

Publication date 6 September 2016

Published in arXiv

Full work available at URL https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108854399.007

Mathematics Subject Classification ID

Algebraic geometry (14-XX) Category theory; homological algebra (18-XX) Applications of differential geometry to physics (53Z05) Relativity and gravitational theory (83-XX)

arXiv classification

gr-qchep-thmath-phmath.MPphysics.hist-ph

Abstract: Our assumption that spacetime is a continuum leads to many challenges in mathematical physics. Singularities, divergent integrals and the like threaten many of our favorite theories, from Newtonian gravity to classical electrodynamics, quantum electrodynamics and the Standard Model. In general relativity, singularities are intimately connected to some of the theory's most dramatic successful predictions. We survey these problems and the large amount of work that has gone into dealing with them.

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