Topological Field Theory As The Key To Quantum Gravity

Abstract

Motivated by the similarity between CSW theory and the Chern Simons state for General Relativity in the Ashtekar variables, we explore what the universe would look like if it were in a state corresponding to a 3D TQFT. We end up with a construction of propagating ststes for parts of the universe and a Hilbert space corresponding to a certain approximation. The construction avoids path integrals, using instead recombination diagrams in a certain tensor category.

10 pages to appear in Knots and Quantum Gravity ed John Baez, Oxford University Press Latex document

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