  We describe a theory amalgamating quantum theory and general relativity
through the identification of a continuous 4-dimensional spacetime arena
constructed from the substructures of a generalised multi-dimensional form for
proper time. In beginning with neither a matter field content nor the geometric
structure of an extended 4-dimensional spacetime the properties of these
entities, together with their mutual correspondence, are derived through the
constraints implied in founding the theory upon the general form of proper time
alone. The geometric structure of the spacetime identified exhibits a locally
degenerate description in terms of an inherent ambiguity in the apparent matter
field content, in a manner consistent with the Einstein field equation of
general relativity while also incorporating an intrinsic indeterminacy that is
characteristic of quantum phenomena. Here the quantum properties of all
non-gravitational fields arise from this composition of spacetime, rather than
via a postulated set of rules applied in spacetime to be extended and applied
to the gravitational field or spacetime itself. The contrast with several other
approaches to quantum gravity and the manner in which this framework can
incorporate the essential properties of general relativity and quantum theory,
both individually and in combination, will be elaborated. While emphasis will
be upon providing a unifying conceptual basis the development of the associated
mathematical framework will also be described.

General Physics