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arXiv:2305.07331gr-qc

Gödel's undecidability theorems and the search for a theory of everything

Claus Kiefer

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Abstract

I investigate the question whether Gödel's undecidability theorems play a crucial role in the search for a unified theory of physics. I conclude that unless the structure of space-time is fundamentally discrete we can never decide whether a given theory is the final one or not. This is relevant for both canonical quantum gravity and string theory.

arXiv comments
17 pages, prize winning essay awarded by the Kurt Gödel Circle of Friends Berlin
Journal reference
Int J Theor Phys 63, 52 (2024)
DOI
doi:10.1007/s10773-024-05574-2
Subjects
gr-qcGeneral Relativity and Quantum Cosmology hep-thHigh Energy Physics, Theory physics.hist-phHistory and Philosophy of Physics

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  1. John Wheeler saw the tear in reality 1 comment

    • I don't know the context, but Claus Kiefer was on the Physics Frontiers podcast recently talking about this paper: https://arxiv.org/abs/2305.07331 Gödel's undecidability theorems and the search for a theory of everything "I investigate the question whether Gödel's…

      defgenericView on HNParent context

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