Introductory Lectures on Quantum Cosmology (1990)

TL;DR

This paper introduces the modern framework of quantum cosmology, focusing on initial conditions and boundary proposals, and discusses the WKB interpretation and its implications for understanding the universe's origins.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of quantum cosmology, including the WKB interpretation and a guide to relevant literature, highlighting recent developments and approaches.

Findings

Clarifies the role of boundary conditions in quantum cosmology

Explains the WKB interpretation in the context of cosmology

Prepares for a discussion on decoherent histories approach

Abstract

We describe the modern approach to quantum cosmology, as initiated by Hartle and Hawking, Linde, Vilenkin and others. The primary aim is to explain how one determines the consequences for the late universe of a given quantum theory of cosmological initial or boundary conditions. An extensive list of references is included, together with a guide to the literature. It also includes a detailed treatment of the WKB interpretation, which is relevant to a forthcoming article by the author on the decoherent histories approach to quantum cosmology.