Norton, Joshua (2017) Incubating a Future Metaphysics: Quantum Gravity. [Preprint]

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Abstract

In this paper, I will argue that metaphysicians ought to utilize quantum theories of gravity (QG) as incubators for a future metaphysics. In §1, I will argue why this ought to be done. In §2, I will present case studies from the history of science where physical theories have challenged both the dogmatic and speculative metaphysician. In §3, I will present two theories of QG and demonstrate the challenge they pose to certain aspects of our current metaphysics; in particular, how they challenge our understanding of the abstract-concrete distinction. In this section I demonstrate how five different accounts of the distinction each fail to hold under the received interpretations of loop quantum gravity and string theory. The central goal of this paper is to encourage metaphysicians to look to physical theories, especially those involving cosmology such as string theory and loop quantum gravity, when doing metaphysics.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Norton, Joshua Joshua.d.norton@gmail.com
Keywords:	metaphysics, philosophy of physics, string theory, philosophy of science, loop quantum gravity.
Subjects:	General Issues > Scientific Metaphysics General Issues > Philosophers of Science Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Gravity
Depositing User:	Mr Joshua Norton
Date Deposited:	19 Jun 2017 14:28
Last Modified:	19 Jun 2017 14:28
Item ID:	13128
Subjects:	General Issues > Scientific Metaphysics General Issues > Philosophers of Science Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Gravity
Date:	2017
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/13128

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