Evolution without evolution: Dynamics described by stationary observables

Don N. Page and William K. Wootters
Phys. Rev. D 27, 2885 – Published 15 June 1983
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Abstract

Because the time parameter in the Schrödinger equation is not observable, energy apparently obeys a superselection rule in the same sense that charge does. That is, observables must all commute with the Hamiltonian and hence be stationary. This means that it is consistent with all observations to assume that any closed system such as the Universe is in a stationary state. We show how the observed dynamic evolution of a system can be described entirely in terms of stationary observables as a dependence upon internal clock readings.

  • Received 17 June 1982

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.27.2885

©1983 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Don N. Page* and William K. Wootters

  • Center for Theoretical Physics, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712

  • *Permanent address: Department of Physics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802.
  • Present address: Department of Physics and Astronomy, Williams College, Williamstown, Massachusetts 01267.

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Issue

Vol. 27, Iss. 12 — 15 June 1983

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