Dirac Observables and the Phase Space of General Relativity

Author

Hossein Farajollahi and Hugh Luckock

Status

Research Report 2001-16
Date: 19 December 2001

Abstract

In the canonical approach to general relativity it is customary to parametrize the phase space by initial data on spacelike hypersurfaces. However, if one seeks a theory dealing with observations that can be made by a single localized observer, it is natural to use a different description of the phase space. This results in a different set of Dirac observables from that appearing in the conventional formulation. It also suggests a possible solution to the problem of time, which has been one of the obstacles to the development of a satisfactory quantum theory of gravity.

Key phrases

general relativity. Dirac observables. problem of time. localized observer. phase space. canonical formulation.

AMS Subject Classification (1991)

Primary: 83C05
Secondary: 70H45, 53D50

Content

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