The present moment in quantum cosmology: challenges to the arguments for the elimination of time

TL;DR

This paper challenges existing arguments that dismiss the role of time in quantum cosmology by proposing principles based on observability and computational realizability within the universe.

Contribution

It introduces three new challenges to the elimination of time in quantum cosmology, grounded in principles of internal observability and finite computational processes.

Findings

Identifies limitations of existing arguments against time in quantum cosmology.

Proposes principles for a cosmological theory based on internal observability and finite computability.

Suggests a framework for formulating cosmological theories consistent with these principles.

Abstract

Barbour, Hawking, Misner and others have argued that time cannot play an essential role in the formulation of a quantum theory of cosmology. Here we present three challenges to their arguments, taken from works and remarks by Kauffman, Markopoulou and Newman. These can be seen to be based on two principles: that every observable in a theory of cosmology should be measurable by some observer inside the universe, and all mathematical constructions necessary to the formulation of the theory should be realizable in a finite time by a computer that fits inside the universe. We also briefly discuss how a cosmological theory could be formulated so it is in agreement with these principles.