Shape dynamics: a relational view of the Universe

Shape Dynamics is a new theory of gravity which removes the notion of local relativistic time from the guiding principles of gravity in the universe. It is a very promising approach which has been shown to be equivalent to Einstein's Theory of General Relativity, without being embedded in time. It is inspired by adherence to Mach's Principle, which is violated by Einstein's theory.

 

Shape Dynamics provides new tools in the quest for a theory that describes quantum gravity.

 

In the first part of the talk Dr. Gomes will review some of the Machian motivations for shape dynamics and sketch its construction. 

In the second half, Dr. Gomes will talk about recent developments on black holes in this formulation, and discuss some positive aspects of its ongoing quantization program.

 

Speaker: Henrique Gomes, Perimeter Institute