arXiv Open Access 2023

The philosophy of causal set theory

Christian Wüthrich
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Abstrak

This article presents the most interesting philosophical issues as they arise in causal set theory. The first concerns the apparent disappearance of spacetime at the fundamental level. It shows how the looming empirical incoherence is averted if we adopt spacetime functionalism. Second, classical sequential growth dynamics rekindles hope for a fundamental passage of physical time compatible with relativistic physics. The article argues that this hope is faint at best, as a block view offers the most natural interpretation of dynamical causal set theory. Third, causal set theory admits a very natural structuralist interpretation, enabling a fruitful interaction between debates in philosophy of science concerning structural realism and the metaphysics of causal sets.

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C

Christian Wüthrich

Format Sitasi

Wüthrich, C. (2023). The philosophy of causal set theory. https://arxiv.org/abs/2308.05217

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Informasi Jurnal
Tahun Terbit
2023
Bahasa
en
Sumber Database
arXiv
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Open Access ✓