Quantum Theory, similar to Relativity Theory, requires a new concept of space-time, imposed by a universal constant. While velocity of light c not being infinite calls for a redefinition of space-time on large and cosmological scales, quantization of action in terms of a finite, i.e. non vanishing, universal constant h requires a redefinition of space-time on very small scales. Most importantly, the classical notion of “time”, as one common continuous time variable and nature evolving continuously “in time”, has to be replaced by an infinite manifold of transition rates for discontinuous quantum transitions. The fundamental laws of quantum physics, commutation relations and quantum equations of motion, resulted from Max Born’s recognition of the basic principle of quantum physics: To each change in nature corresponds an integer number of quanta of action. Action variables may only change by integer values of h, requiring all other physical quantities to change by discrete steps, “quantum jumps”. The mathematical implementation of this principle led to commutation relations and quantum equations of motion. The notion of “point” in space-time looses its physical significance; quantum uncertainties of time, position, just as any other physical quantity, are necessary consequences of quantization of action.

类似于相对论，量子理论需要一个由普遍常数强加的时空新概念。虽然光速c并非无限大，需要在宇宙学大尺度上重新定义时空，但要根据有限的（即不消失的）通用常数h来量化作用，则需要在非常小的尺度上重新定义时空。最重要的是，经典的“时间”概念，作为一个常见的连续时间变量，自然界在“时间”上不断发展，必须用无穷多的不连续量子跃迁的跃迁速率来代替。麦克斯·伯恩（Max Born）对量子物理学基本原理的认识导致了量子物理学的基本定律，换向关系和运动的量子方程式：自然界中的每一个变化都对应一个整数的作用量子。动作变量只能以h的整数值更改，要求所有其他物理量以不连续的步长（“量子跳跃”）更改。该原理的数学实现导致了换向关系和运动量子方程。时空中的“点”这个概念失去了它的物理意义。如同其他任何物理量一样，时间，位置的量子不确定性也是作用量化的必然结果。