131 citations · 289 across the 6 of their papers we have counts for
24 papers
The case for background independence
Lee Smolin
The aim of this paper is to explain carefully the arguments behind the assertion that the correct quantum theory of gravity must be background independent. We begin by recounting h…
Scientific alternatives to the anthropic principle
Lee Smolin
It is explained in detail why the Anthropic Principle (AP) cannot yield any falsifiable predictions, and therefore cannot be a part of science. Cases which have been claimed as suc…
General relativity with a topological phase: an action principle
Lee Smolin, Artem Starodubtsev
An action principle is described which unifies general relativity and topological field theory. An additional degree of freedom is introduced and depending on the value it takes th…
How far are we from the quantum theory of gravity?
Lee Smolin
An assessment is offered of the progress that the major approaches to quantum gravity have made towards the goal of constructing a complete and satisfactory theory. The emphasis is…
BRST quantization of Matrix Chern-Simons Theory
Etera R. Livine, Lee Smolin
The BRST quantization of matrix Chern-Simons theory is carried out, the symmetries of the theory are analysed and used to constrain the form of the effective action.
Quantum gravity with a positive cosmological constant
Lee Smolin
A quantum theory of gravity is described in the case of a positive cosmological constant in 3+1 dimensions. Both old and new results are described, which support the case that loop…