Time: What's the Problem? Richard T. W. Arthur Public Lecture

It is often said that the main stumbling block preventing the creation of a successful theory of Quantum Gravity —the physical theory that attempts to combine Einstein’s General relativity and Quantum Theory —is the incompatibility between the treatments of time in the two theories. Moreover, many proponents of QG have contended that the implication of the mathematics is that time is not part of fundamental physical reality, and that the flow of time is an illusion. In this lecture Professor Arthur will examine many of the arguments supporting this view, exposing their roots in older philosophical prejudices, and their shortcomings as viable interpretations of the theories concerned. He will explain how an understanding of time flow as a local phenomenon relieves much of the difficulty, and then comment on the wider implications of his critique for the interpretation of modern physics.

Join us on the 6th October at 6pm to hear distinguished Professor Richard T.W. Arthur discuss these topics. The public lecture will be held in the Peel Lecture theatre, School of Geographical Sciences Building, University Road, Bristol.

This free talk is part of the and the ' Projects series of talks. It is generously supported by a Bristol Benjamin Meaker Distinguished Visiting Professorship.

Enquiries to be directed to [email protected]

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

School of Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol, University Road, Bristol, United Kingdom