In This Topic
Seeing how loop quantum gravity is more focused than string theory
Knowing what predictions loop quantum gravity makes
Evaluating the similarities between loop quantum gravity and string theory
Though string theory is often promoted as the “only consistent theory of quantum gravity” (or something along those lines), some would disagree with this categorization. Foremost among them are the researchers in a field known as loop quantum gravity (sometimes abbreviated LQG). I discuss other approaches to quantum gravity in topic 19.
In this 5topic, I introduce you to loop quantum gravity, an alternative theory of quantum gravity. As string theory’s major competitor, loop quantum gravity hopes to answer many of the same questions by using a different approach. I start by describing the basic principles of loop quantum gravity and then present some of the major benefits of this approach over string theory. I lay out some of the preliminary predictions of loop quantum gravity, including possible ways to test it. Finally, I consider whether loop quantum gravity has the same fundamental flaws that may bring down string theory.
