On the Emergence of Time in Quantum Gravity

TL;DR

This paper explores how the concept of time might emerge from quantum gravity theories, discussing philosophical perspectives, interpretative issues, and specific models like quantum geometrodynamics and Euclidean approaches.

Contribution

It provides a philosophical analysis of the emergence of time in quantum gravity, reviewing different models and interpretative challenges.

Findings

Time can emerge from quantum gravity models such as geometrodynamics

Interpretative issues about space, time, and matter are crucial for understanding emergence

The Euclidean approach offers insights into the emergence of time

Abstract

We discuss from a philosophical perspective the way in which the normal concept of time might be said to `emerge' in a quantum theory of gravity. After an introduction, we briefly discuss the notion of emergence, without regard to time (Section 2). We then introduce the search for a quantum theory of gravity (Section 3); and review some general interpretative issues about space, time and matter Section 4). We then discuss the emergence of time in simple quantum geometrodynamics, and in the Euclidean approach (Section 5). Section 6 concludes.