TY - BOOK ID - 78640426 TI - Discrete or continuous? The quest for fundamental length in modern physics PY - 2014 SN - 1139950703 1139962396 1139961330 1107477344 1139959212 1139957090 113996027X 113995816X 9781139958165 9781139960274 9781107477346 9781139959216 9781107062801 1107062802 9781107633698 1107633699 PB - Cambridge Cambridge University Press DB - UniCat KW - Standards of length. KW - Physical constants. KW - Absolute quantities KW - Constants, Physical KW - Fundamental constants, Physical KW - Fundamental physical constants KW - Physical quantities KW - Quantities, Absolute KW - Quantities, Physical KW - Units of measurement KW - Length, Standards of KW - Weights and measures KW - Length measurement KW - Space and time KW - Length measurement. KW - Philosophy. KW - Space of more than three dimensions KW - Space-time KW - Space-time continuum KW - Space-times KW - Spacetime KW - Time and space KW - Fourth dimension KW - Infinite KW - Metaphysics KW - Philosophy KW - Space sciences KW - Time KW - Beginning KW - Hyperspace KW - Relativity (Physics) KW - Linear measurement KW - Measurement of length KW - Dimensions KW - Standards of length KW - Philosophy of science UR - https://www.unicat.be/uniCat?func=search&query=sysid:78640426 AB - The idea of infinity plays a crucial role in our understanding of the universe, with the infinite spacetime continuum perhaps the best-known example - but is spacetime really continuous? Throughout the history of science, many have felt that the continuum model is an unphysical idealization, and that spacetime should be thought of as 'quantized' at the smallest of scales. Combining novel conceptual analysis, a fresh historical perspective, and concrete physical examples, this unique book tells the story of the search for the fundamental unit of length in modern physics, from early classical electrodynamics to current approaches to quantum gravity. Novel philosophical theses, with direct implications for theoretical physics research, are presented and defended in an accessible format that avoids complex mathematics. Blending history, philosophy, and theoretical physics, this refreshing outlook on the nature of spacetime sheds light on one of the most thought-provoking topics in modern physics. ER -