10,756 research outputs found
Consistent probabilities in loop quantum cosmology
A fundamental issue for any quantum cosmological theory is to specify how
probabilities can be assigned to various quantum events or sequences of events
such as the occurrence of singularities or bounces. In previous work, we have
demonstrated how this issue can be successfully addressed within the consistent
histories approach to quantum theory for Wheeler-DeWitt-quantized cosmological
models. In this work, we generalize that analysis to the exactly solvable loop
quantization of a spatially flat, homogeneous and isotropic cosmology sourced
with a massless, minimally coupled scalar field known as sLQC. We provide an
explicit, rigorous and complete decoherent histories formulation for this model
and compute the probabilities for the occurrence of a quantum bounce vs. a
singularity. Using the scalar field as an emergent internal time, we show for
generic states that the probability for a singularity to occur in this model is
zero, and that of a bounce is unity, complementing earlier studies of the
expectation values of the volume and matter density in this theory. We also
show from the consistent histories point of view that all states in this model,
whether quantum or classical, achieve arbitrarily large volume in the limit of
infinite `past' or `future' scalar `time', in the sense that the wave function
evaluated at any arbitrary fixed value of the volume vanishes in that limit.
Finally, we briefly discuss certain misconceptions concerning the utility of
the consistent histories approach in these models.Comment: 22 pages, 3 figures. Matches published versio
The Mathematical Universe
I explore physics implications of the External Reality Hypothesis (ERH) that
there exists an external physical reality completely independent of us humans.
I argue that with a sufficiently broad definition of mathematics, it implies
the Mathematical Universe Hypothesis (MUH) that our physical world is an
abstract mathematical structure. I discuss various implications of the ERH and
MUH, ranging from standard physics topics like symmetries, irreducible
representations, units, free parameters, randomness and initial conditions to
broader issues like consciousness, parallel universes and Godel incompleteness.
I hypothesize that only computable and decidable (in Godel's sense) structures
exist, which alleviates the cosmological measure problem and help explain why
our physical laws appear so simple. I also comment on the intimate relation
between mathematical structures, computations, simulations and physical
systems.Comment: Replaced to match accepted Found. Phys. version, 31 pages, 5 figs;
more details at http://space.mit.edu/home/tegmark/toe.htm
Two-Level Type Theory and Applications
We define and develop two-level type theory (2LTT), a version of Martin-L\"of
type theory which combines two different type theories. We refer to them as the
inner and the outer type theory. In our case of interest, the inner theory is
homotopy type theory (HoTT) which may include univalent universes and higher
inductive types. The outer theory is a traditional form of type theory
validating uniqueness of identity proofs (UIP). One point of view on it is as
internalised meta-theory of the inner type theory.
There are two motivations for 2LTT. Firstly, there are certain results about
HoTT which are of meta-theoretic nature, such as the statement that
semisimplicial types up to level can be constructed in HoTT for any
externally fixed natural number . Such results cannot be expressed in HoTT
itself, but they can be formalised and proved in 2LTT, where will be a
variable in the outer theory. This point of view is inspired by observations
about conservativity of presheaf models.
Secondly, 2LTT is a framework which is suitable for formulating additional
axioms that one might want to add to HoTT. This idea is heavily inspired by
Voevodsky's Homotopy Type System (HTS), which constitutes one specific instance
of a 2LTT. HTS has an axiom ensuring that the type of natural numbers behaves
like the external natural numbers, which allows the construction of a universe
of semisimplicial types. In 2LTT, this axiom can be stated simply be asking the
inner and outer natural numbers to be isomorphic.
After defining 2LTT, we set up a collection of tools with the goal of making
2LTT a convenient language for future developments. As a first such
application, we develop the theory of Reedy fibrant diagrams in the style of
Shulman. Continuing this line of thought, we suggest a definition of
(infinity,1)-category and give some examples.Comment: 53 page
Indeterminateness and `The' Universe of Sets: Multiversism, Potentialism, and Pluralism
In this article, I survey some philosophical attitudes to talk concerning `the' universe of sets. I separate out four different strands of the debate, namely: (i) Universism, (ii) Multiversism, (iii) Potentialism, and (iv) Pluralism. I discuss standard arguments and counterarguments concerning the positions and some of the natural mathematical programmes that are suggested by the various views
Chaotic Friedmann-Robertson-Walker Cosmology
We show that the dynamics of a spatially closed Friedmann - Robertson -
Walker Universe conformally coupled to a real, free, massive scalar field, is
chaotic, for large enough field amplitudes. We do so by proving that this
system is integrable under the adiabatic approximation, but that the
corresponding KAM tori break up when non adiabatic terms are considered. This
finding is confirmed by numerical evaluation of the Lyapunov exponents
associated with the system, among other criteria. Chaos sets strong limitations
to our ability to predict the value of the field at the Big Crunch, from its
given value at the Big Bang. (Figures available on request)Comment: 28 pages, 11 figure
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