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Quantum gravity

a dogma of unification?

Kian Salimkhani

pp. 23-41

Abstract

The quest for a theory of quantum gravity is usually understood to be driven by philosophical assumptions external to physics proper. It is suspected that specifically approaches in the context of particle physics are rather based on metaphysical premises than experimental data or physical arguments. I disagree. In this paper, I argue that the quest for a theory of quantum gravity sets an important example of physics' internal unificatory practice. It is exactly Weinberg's and others' particle physics stance that reveals the issue of quantum gravity as a genuine physical problem arising within the framework of quantum field theory.

Publication details

Published in:

Christian Alexander, Hommen David, Schurz Gerhard, Retzlaff Nina (2018) Philosophy of science: between the natural sciences, the social sciences, and the humanities. Dordrecht, Springer.

Pages: 23-41

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-72577-2_2

Full citation:

Salimkhani Kian (2018) „Quantum gravity: a dogma of unification?“, In: A. Christian, D. Hommen, G. Schurz & N. Retzlaff (eds.), Philosophy of science, Dordrecht, Springer, 23–41.