The Rise and Fall of Geometrodynamics

Abstract

One thing that everyone can agree on is that the subject of geometrodynamics, whatever we interpret it as covering, is inseparably associated with the name of John Wheeler. To discuss the history and current status of geometrodynamics thus necessitates the discussion of the evolution of Wheeler’s ideas on the subject. This is not meant to detract, in any way, from the fact that he has been ably assisted in his intellectual Odyssey by a distinguished group of co-workers; most prominently by Charles Misner, whom we have been fortunate to hear today on the subject. Since Professor Wheeler has recently indicated his abandonment of major features of the original geometrodynamic program, as I shall discuss later, I hope he will forgive me the rather dramatic title I have chosen for my talk.

I should like to thank Professor Wheeler for reading the typescript of this paper. His comments have enabled me to avoid misinterpretation of his position on at least one point; he is, of course, not responsible for any remaining misinterpretations or for my critical comments.

Research partially supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation.