Structure of Physical (R)evolutions and
Quantum Spacetime
Mohsen Shiri-Garakani, Ph.D.
Assoc. Prof. of Physics
Pace University, Pleasantville
The three main revolutions of physics in the twentieth century
(i.e., special and general theories of relativity, and quantum
theory) have a suggestive family resemblance: while unifying
previously disjoint fundamental concepts, each introduced a
certain non-commutativity formerly not present in physics.
We study mathematical, physical, and philosophical aspects of
the general pattern governing these evolutions and use the
main idea to develop a quantum theory for spacetime, a long
sought-after quantum theory aiming at unifying spacetime
(gravity) and elementary particles (Standard Model). We show
that major revolutions in physical theories are actually
instances of a general reformation (evolutionary) process.
Photo courtesy: www.dailygalaxy.com
Physicists have worked on developing a unified quantum
theory for spacetime (gravity) for decades. While the popular
candidate (String Theory) has got much of the attention, it has
failed to produce a promising theory. Inspired by Irving Segal's
doctrine that physical theories must be described by semi-
simple Lie algebras, our approach focuses on symmetry
structure of major theories of physics We follow David
Finkelstein's general idea that algebra simplification leads to
unification. We aim at unifying gravity and elementary
particles at the fundamental level while unifying symmetry
groups of these theories within a large but finite Clifford
algebra, which reproduces the former non-unified theories in
appropriate limits.
