In 9 parts
The Cyclotron Note Books
These notes reached their final
form on 3 March 1996.
The cyclotron note books are a collection of essays about
fundamental physics and metaphysics. The central essay is
about the principle of event-symmetric space-time, a new
theory about how to do quantum gravity.
The style is more technical in some parts than in others. Each
essay can be read independently but if you find that one of them
has terms which you don't understand you may find them explained
in an earlier one. The later ones may be too difficult for the
layman and even I don't understand the last one.
1. The Quantum Gravity Challenge
This first essay is about the problems facing physicists
who are trying to combine the theories of general relativity
and quantum mechanics into one theory of quantum gravity which
might lead ultimately to a complete unified theory of the
laws of physics.
2. Is Space-Time Discrete?
Here I discuss some of the motivation and evidence that have
led many physicists to believe that, in some
sense, space-time is discrete at very small length scales.
3. Metaphysics of Space-Time
Philosophers and physicists have been at odds about the nature
of space-time for most of the duration of this century. Why?
and who is right?
4. What About Causality?
To attack the principles of causality in physics is to
attack our right to believe in free will, yet some physicists
are prepared to cast aside causality altogether in order to
progress in their understanding of physics.
5. Universal Symmetry
Physicists could never have progressed as far as they have if
it were not for symmetry in the laws of physics. But the symmetry
is often hidden from sight so just how much of it is there waiting
to be revealed?
6. The Superstring Mystery
In 1982 the theory of superstrings suddenly rose to prominence
as a possible unified theory of physics. 14 years on it is still
not properly understood but the richness of the mathematics which
it holds within is enough to keep many of the worlds most
proficient theoretical physicists enthralled.
7. Event-Symmetric Space-Time
The principle of event-symmetric space-time is a simple but
radical approach to quantum gravity. Proposed by a physicist
working outside the academic establishment, it has received
little support from within. What are the arguments in it's favour?
is it correct? is it useful?
8. Is String Theory in Knots?
Twenty years ago the mathematical theory of knots might have
been considered an esoteric discipline of interest to only
pure mathematicians. In the last ten years it has become the
mathematics of quantum gravity. This essay, more mathematical
than others in this collection is an attempt to formulate
the equations for an algebraic theory of gravity.
9. The Theory of Theories
If we succeed in finding a unified theory of the laws of physics
what will it tell us? Can we hope to understand an answer to
the ultimate question, why are we here?
This page was last updated 18 April 1998.