Discrete or Continuous?
The Quest for Fundamental Length in Modern Physics

Novel conceptual analysis, fresh historical perspectives, and concrete physical examples illuminate one of the most thought-provoking topics in physics.

Amit Hagar (Author)

9781107633698, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 28 April 2016

280 pages, 7 b/w illus.
24.5 x 17 x 1.5 cm, 0.49 kg

'… this book is a comprehensive and even-handed exposition of the mathematical and philosophical formulations of theoretical physics in terms of discrete or continuous space-time structures. It spans the analyses of the subject from the ancient Greeks thought to the present day: from Zeno (450BC) to several discussions published as late as 2013. The monograph is extremely well referenced and cites some 550 articles and books.' Richard Keesing, Contemporary Physics

The idea of infinity plays a crucial role in our understanding of the universe, with the infinite spacetime continuum perhaps the best-known example - but is spacetime really continuous? Throughout the history of science, many have felt that the continuum model is an unphysical idealization, and that spacetime should be thought of as 'quantized' at the smallest of scales. Combining novel conceptual analysis, a fresh historical perspective, and concrete physical examples, this unique book tells the story of the search for the fundamental unit of length in modern physics, from early classical electrodynamics to current approaches to quantum gravity. Novel philosophical theses, with direct implications for theoretical physics research, are presented and defended in an accessible format that avoids complex mathematics. Blending history, philosophy, and theoretical physics, this refreshing outlook on the nature of spacetime sheds light on one of the most thought-provoking topics in modern physics.

1. Introduction
2. Arguments from mathematics
3. Arguments from philosophy
4. Electrodynamics, QED, and early QFT
5. Quantum gravity: prehistory
6. Einstein on the notion of length
7. Quantum gravity: current approaches
8. The proof is in the pudding
9. Coda.

Subject Areas: Physics [PH], History of science [PDX], Philosophy of science [PDA], Science: general issues [PD], Mathematics & science [P]