arXiv:2104.05395

The Arithmetic of Uncertainty unifies Quantum Formalism and Relativistic Spacetime

John Skilling, Kevin H. Knuth

Published Dec 23, 2020• 2 citations

Abstract

The theories of quantum mechanics and relativity dramatically altered our understanding of the universe ushering in the era of modern physics. Quantum theory deals with objects probabilistically at small scales, whereas relativity deals classically with motion in space and time. We show here that the mathematical structures of quantum theory and of relativity follow together from pure thought, defined and uniquely constrained by the same elementary ``combining and sequencing'' symmetries that underlie standard arithmetic and probability. The key is uncertainty, which inevitably accompanies observation of quantity and imposes the use of pairs of numbers. The symmetries then lead directly to the use of complex \sqrt{-1} arithmetic, the standard calculus of quantum mechanics, and the Lorentz transformations of relativistic spacetime. One dimension of time and three dimensions of space are thus derived as the profound and inevitable framework of physics.

DOI: 10.20944/preprints202012.0603.v1

Related papers

The ABC of Physics

John Skilling, Kevin H. Knuth

Why quantum? Why spacetime? We find that the key idea underlying both is uncertainty. In a world lacking probes of unlimited delicacy, our knowledge of quantities is necessarily accompanied by uncertainty. Consequently, physics requires a calculus of number pairs and not only scalars for quantity alone. Basic symmetries of shuffling and sequencing dictate that pairs obey ordinary component-wise addition, but they can have three different multiplication rules. We call those rules A, B and C. “A” shows that pairs behave as complex numbers, which is why quantum theory is complex. However, consistency with the ordinary scalar rules of probability shows that the fundamental object is not a particle on its Hilbert sphere but a stream represented by a Gaussian distribution. “B” is then applied to pairs of complex numbers (qubits) and produces the Pauli matrices for which its operation defines the space of four vectors. “C” then allows integration of what can then be recognised as energy-momentum into time and space. The picture is entirely consistent. Spacetime is a construct of quantum and not a container for it.

International Workshop on Bayesian Inference and Maximum Entropy Methods in Science and Engineering (MaxEnt)Dec 10, 20211 citation

A Quantum Probabilistic Interpretation of the Lorentz Transformation

Xiaoming Shi

This paper presents a conceptual framework for reinterpreting the Lorentz transformation through the lens of quantum mechanics. By treating spacetime as a quantum structure, the author explores the eigenvalue nature of the speed of light (±c) and derives relativistic effects from the probabilistic superposition of lightlike intervals. Key highlights: - **Quantum Spacetime:** Proposes that space and time are not independent backgrounds but emerge from the quantum states of spacetime quanta. - **Derivation of Lorentz Transformation:** Demonstrates how the transformation arises from the statistical correlation of quantum states rather than classical kinematics. - **Philosophical Implications:** Offers a novel perspective on the ontology of motion, suggesting that reference frames are representations of quantum states. This work aims to provide an intuitive understanding of special relativity and stimulate discussion on the quantum nature of spacetime.

Jul 20, 20260 citations

Theory of Temporal Relativity

Alessio Piccinotti

The Theory of Temporal Relativity proposes a unified theoretical framework that extends Special and General Relativity into the complex domain, integrating aspects of Quantum Mechanics within a single geometrical structure. The theory introduces a generalized Hilbert-space geometry and interprets quantum states as observer-dependent, arising from complex temporal relations between reference frames. Theory of Temporal Relativity is a theoretical framework proposing a unified extension of Special and General Relativity into the complex domain, with the goal of incorporating aspects of Quantum Mechanics within a consistent geometrical model. The theory generalizes Hilbert-space geometry and relativistic invariance to complex coordinates, introducing observer-dependent descriptions of physical quantities and a reinterpretation of quantum states as complex-phase relations between reference frames. Within this model, fundamental constants such as c, G, and h are not strictly universal but can exhibit apparent local variations arising from the observer’s position in the complex spacetime manifold. These variations preserve global covariance and CPT symmetry while reconciling quantum non-locality with relativistic kinematics. The framework predicts experimentally testable effects, including measurable phase shifts in interferometric experiments, possible frequency modulations in non-inertial systems, and small local deviations of physical constants detectable in condensed-matter and gravitational contexts. The supplementary work, “Quantum Uncertainty, Planck’s Constant, and Ontological Insights from Complex Spacetime Geometry and Local Metric Deformations”, develops the principle of Temporal Relativity as a foundational element of the theory. It formalizes the connection between quantum uncertainty, metric deformations, and complex temporal structures, within an alternative logical framework (AU). This extension provides both an ontological interpretation of the wavefunction and a basis for the emergence of quantum indeterminacy from geometric causes. Together, these works present a coherent attempt to unify the relativistic and quantum domains under a single complex-geometric view of spacetime, maintaining mathematical rigor while providing clear experimental pathways for empirical validation.

Jan 1, 20250 citations

Phase Invariance as a Unifying Principle for Quantum Theory and Relativity

Suhaib Zayed Awad Alkarim alnur

We introduce physical phase invariance as a minimal, observer-independent principle capable of unifying quantum theory and relativity. By identifying the physical phase with the classical action measured in units of Planck’s constant, the framework assigns phase a direct operational meaning. Spacetime structure, Lorentz invariance, and quantum probabilistic behavior emerge as effective descriptions of underlying phase dynamics rather than fundamental postulates. Time is defined relationally through phase evolution, and classical motion arises from stationary phase conditions. A simple dynamical equation for the phase field is proposed, while quantum probabilities are shown to result from statistical coarse-graining over unresolved phase degrees of freedom. This approach provides a coherent conceptual foundation linking quantum mechanics, special relativity, and gravitation.

Jan 22, 20260 citations

Quantum Uncertainty and Relativity

Sebastiano Tosto

The major challenge of modern physics is to merge relativistic and quantum theories \ninto a unique conceptual frame able to combine the basic statements of the former with \nthe quantization, the non-locality and non-reality of the latter. A previous paper has \nshown that the statistical formulation of the space-time uncertainty allows to describe \nthe quantum systems in agreement with these requirements of the quantum world. The \npresent paper aims to extend the same theoretical model and approach also to the special \nand general relativity.

Apr 1, 20125 citations

Fork of Prosper's Unified Position Equation (PUPE): A Deterministic Framework for Unified Dynamics.

Chanda Prosper

One of the most persistent and profound goals in physics is the unification of its fundamental theories. For centuries, our understanding of the universe has advanced by developing distinct mathematical descriptions for different physical regimes. This specialization, while incredibly powerful, has bequeathed us a fractured portrait of reality, with different laws governing motion in different realms. A unified theory that can seamlessly describe phenomena across all scales—from the subatomic to the cosmological—remains a central objective of modern science.The current landscape of physics separates motion into several distinct domains, each governed by its own set of laws:Classical motion is described by Newton's second law, F = ma.Relativity governs high-velocity motion through the energy-momentum relation.Quantum mechanics describes the subatomic world using the Schrödinger equation and the concept of probability waves.Electromagnetic motion for charged particles is dictated by the Lorentz force laws.While these descriptions work exceptionally well within their intended domains, they are not unified. The PUPE framework proposes a direct solution to this fragmentation. It aims to reconcile these disparate views by defining all motion through a single position equation and a single momentum equation. This is achieved by incorporating relativistic and electromagnetic terms directly alongside a quantum component derived from the wave amplitude R and its gradient, which generates quantum behavior without disrupting the classical and relativistic foundations. This paper will now detail the core mathematical structure of this innovative framework.

Jan 21, 20260 citations