Relational particle models as toy models for quantum gravity and quantum cosmology

TL;DR

This paper explores how relational particle models serve as simplified frameworks to investigate fundamental issues in quantum gravity and cosmology, especially the problem of time in a closed universe.

Contribution

It introduces relational particle models as toy models to study the problem of time and related quantum gravity issues in a simplified setting.

Findings

Relational models can replicate key features of Newtonian mechanics and general relativity.

They provide insights into internal time, semiclassical, and records approaches to the problem of time.

The models help clarify conceptual issues in quantum cosmology.

Abstract

It is argued that substantial portions of both Newtonian particle mechanics and general relativity can be viewed as relational (rather than absolute) theories. I furthermore use the relational particle models as toy models to investigate the problem of time in closed-universe canonical quantum general relativity. I consider thus in particular the internal time, semiclassical and records tentative resolutions of the problem of time.