Manifolds are spaces that look Euclidean when you zoom in on any one of their points. Introduced by Bernhard Riemann, they have become a mathematical staple in fields like geometry, physics, and data analysis.
The theoretical physicist and best-selling author finds inspiration in politics and philosophy for rethinking space and time.
Carlo Rovelli's work focuses on reconciling general relativity and quantum mechanics through **Loop Quantum Gravity (LQG)**, which proposes that spacetime is discrete and emerges from interactions, not as a pre-existing background. He also advocates for **Relational Quantum Mechanics**, asserting reality is defined by interactions and perspective – there is no objective, observer-independent reality. A key idea is that **time is not fundamental** but an emergent property linked to entropy. While promising, LQG faces challenges in making testable predictions.
Essentially, Rovelli argues for a shift from seeking absolute truths to understanding a relational, perspective-dependent universe.
Carlo Rovelli's work focuses on reconciling general relativity and quantum mechanics through **Loop Quantum Gravity (LQG)**, which proposes that spacetime is discrete and emerges from interactions, not as a pre-existing background. He also advocates for **Relational Quantum Mechanics**, asserting reality is defined by interactions and perspective – there is no objective, observer-independent reality. A key idea is that **time is not fundamental** but an emergent property linked to entropy. While promising, LQG faces challenges in making testable predictions.
Essentially, Rovelli argues for a shift from seeking absolute truths to understanding a relational, perspective-dependent universe.
Physicists are revisiting the chaotic region near singularities within black holes, utilizing new mathematical tools to potentially reconcile general relativity and quantum mechanics and gain a deeper understanding of space and time.
