arXiv Open Access 2018

Computability and Physical Theories

Robert Geroch James B. Hartle

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Abstrak

The familiar theories of physics have the feature that the application of the theory to make predictions in specific circumstances can be done by means of an algorithm. We propose a more precise formulation of this feature --- one based on the issue of whether or not the physically measurable numbers predicted by the theory are computable in the mathematical sense. Applying this formulation to one approach to a quantum theory of gravity, there are found indications that there may exist no such algorithms in this case. Finally, we discuss the issue of whether the existence of an algorithm to implement a theory should be adopted as a criterion for acceptable physical theories.

Topik & Kata Kunci

gr-qc math-ph physics.comp-ph physics.hist-ph

Penulis (2)

Robert Geroch

James B. Hartle

Format Sitasi

APA MLA BibTeX

Geroch, R., Hartle, J.B. (2018). Computability and Physical Theories. https://arxiv.org/abs/1806.09237

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Informasi Jurnal

Tahun Terbit: 2018
Bahasa: en
Sumber Database: arXiv
Akses: Open Access ✓