Consistent discretizations for classical and quantum general relativity

Abstract

We consider discretizations of the Einstein action of general relativity such that the resulting discrete equations of motion form a consistent constrained system. Upon ``spin foam'' quantization of the system, consistency allows a natural way of recovering the correct semi-classical theory. A consistent set of approximations to the Einstein equations could also have implications for numerical relativity and for the construction of approximate classical observables for the theory.

4 pages, RevTeX, no figures