@unpublished{Duff:2016, author = {Duff, MJ}, publisher = {arXiv}, title = {Comment on time-variation of fundamental constants}, url = {http://arxiv.org/abs/hep-th/0208093}, year = {2016} }
TY - UNPB AB - The possible time variation of dimensionless fundamental constants of nature, such as the fine-structure constant α, is a legitimate subject of physical enquiry. By contrast, the time variation of dimensional constants, such as , c, G, e, k,... which are merely human constructs whose number and values differ from one choice of units to the next, has no operational meaning. To illustrate this, we refute a recent claim of Davies et al that black holes can discriminate between two contending theories of varying α, one with varying c and the other with varying e. In Appendix A we respond to criticisms by P. Davies and two Nature referees. In Appendix B we respond to remarks by Magueijo and by T. Davis. In Appendix C we critique recent claims by Copi, A. Davis and Krauss to have placed constraints on ΔG/G.} In Appendix D we provide extracts of a lecture by Dirac, of which we have only recently become aware, which includes the comment "Talking about whether a thing is constant or not does not have any absolute meaning unless that quantity is dimensionless". AU - Duff,MJ PB - arXiv PY - 2016/// TI - Comment on time-variation of fundamental constants UR - http://arxiv.org/abs/hep-th/0208093 UR - http://hdl.handle.net/10044/1/72620 ER -