The interpretation of quantum cosmology and the problem of time

摘要

It is a truly great pleasure to be part of Stephen Hawking's 60th birth-day celebrations. It is now almost twenty years since I commenced my PhD studies with Stephen, and I recall that exciting time very fondly. Numerous researchers were just beginning to address the conceptual and technical difficulties of quantum cosmology, and the confusion and contro-versy at that time led to some very lively debates in which Stephen played a very central role. The atmosphere of this conference has reminded me very pleasantly of those early days.