The Problem of Time and Quantum Cosmology in the Relational Particle Mechanics Arena

TL;DR

This paper offers a local, conceptual solution to the Problem of Time in Quantum Gravity using relational particle models, emphasizing background independence and integrating multiple theoretical approaches.

Contribution

It provides a localized resolution to the Problem of Time in Quantum Gravity within relational triangle models and reviews their role as background-independent toy models.

Findings

Relational particle models exhibit significant facets of the Problem of Time.

Classical relational mechanics already contains most facets of the quantum Problem of Time.

A combined Machian semiclassical, histories, and records approach is recommended.

Abstract

This article contains a local solution to the notorious Problem of Time in Quantum Gravity at the conceptual level and which is actually realizable for the relational triangle. The Problem of Time is that `time' in GR and `time' in ordinary quantum theory are mutually incompatible notions, which is problematic in trying to put these two theories together to form a theory of Quantum Gravity. Four frontiers to this resolution in full GR are identified, alongside three further directions not yet conquered even for the relational triangle. This article is also the definitive review on relational particle models originally due to Barbour (2003: dynamics of pure shape) and Barbour and Bertotti (1982: dynamics of shape and scale). These are exhibited as useful toy models of background independence, which I argue to be the `other half' of GR to relativistic gravitation, as well as the originator of the Problem of Time itself. Barbour's work and my localized extension of it are shown to be the classical precursor of the background independence that then manifests itself at the quantum level as the full-blown Problem of Time. In fact 7/8ths of the Isham--Kuchar Problem of Time facets are already present in classical GR; even classical mechanics in relational particle mechanics formulation exhibits 5/8ths of these! In addition to Isham, Kuchar and Barbour, the other principal authors whose works are drawn upon in building this Problem of Time approach are Kendall (relational models only: pure-shape configuration spaces), Dirac, Teitelboim and Halliwell (Problem of Time resolving components). The recommended scheme is a combination of the Machian semiclassical approach, histories theory and records theory.