What Happens to Space and Time in Quantum Gravity?

Carlo Rovelli (Aix-Marseille University, University of Western Ontario, Perimeter Institute)

We are happy to announce that Carlo Rovelli will give two online lectures on 13th October and 30th September, organized by CASIP and Fudan PSI. Rovelli, one of the founders of loop quantum gravity, will talk about his theory, focusing on the latest accounts of the nature of time and space, as well as the direction of time. The concepts of time and space are essential to our understanding of the world. Throughout history, philosophers and physicists, such as Aristotle, Newton and Einstein, have devoted themselves to the understanding of time and space. So what is the nature of time and space? Does time really exist or is it an illusion? Does time have a direction? Rovelli's lectures will provide us with the latest insights into these puzzling questions from the perspective of loop quantum gravity.

The lectures are jointly organized by the Institute of Philosophy, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CASIP), and the Philosophy and Science of Intelligence Center (PSI), Fudan University. Everyone is welcome to attend. More information can be found below.

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CASIP Lecture Title: What Happens to Space and Time in Quantum Gravity?

Organizer: Institute of Philosophy, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CASIP)

Abstract

This is a bit more physics oriented (but philosophically informed). I distinguish (again) the different meanings that we attribute to the words "space" and "time". And discuss what happens to these notions when we consider the quantum properties of gravity, namely the quantum property of physical geometry. I illustrate why and how loop quantum gravity gives a precise and well defined answer to these questions. (This is the theory on which I am working)

Speaker: Carlo Rovelli (Aix-Marseille University)

Chair: Liuxiang Hao (CASIP)

Commentators:

Yongge Ma (Beijing Normal University)

Yu Shi (Fudan University)

Shan Gao (Shanxi University)

Huajia Wang (KITS)

Chunling Yan (CASIP)

Time: Wednesday, 13th October, 2021, 7:30 PM—9:30 PM (UTC+8)

Online Platform: Zoom

Meeting ID: 489 550 5875

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4895505875?pwd=TktkSktBZXg0Yldja0xTZGNKK0pBQT09

Passcode: 6666

Language: English

Biography

Founder of the quantum gravity group of the Centre de Physique Théorique (CPT) of the Aix-Marseille University. Professeur de classe exceptionnelle, Department of Physics in Aix-Marseille University. Adjunct Professor, Department of Philosophy in University of Western Ontario. Distinguished Visiting Research Chair in Perimeter Institute. Laurea Honoris Causa in Universidad de San Martin. Honorary Professor in Beijing Normal University. Senior Member in Institut Universitaire de France. Author of several important works in natural philosophy, including The Order of Time and Reality Is Not What It Seems.

Contact:

Tung-Ying Wu: [email protected]

Mingjun Zhang: [email protected]