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Spacetime functionalism from a realist perspective

Lam, Vincent and Wuthrich, Christian (2020) Spacetime functionalism from a realist perspective. [Preprint]

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Abstract

In prior work, we have argued that spacetime functionalism provides tools for clarifying the conceptual difficulties specifically linked to the emergence of spacetime in certain approaches to quantum gravity. We argue in this article that spacetime functionalism in quantum gravity is radically different from other functionalist approaches that have been suggested in quantum mechanics and general relativity: in contrast to these latter cases, it does not compete with purely interpretative alternatives, but is rather intertwined with the physical theorizing itself at the level of quantum gravity. Spacetime functionalism allows one to articulate a coherent realist perspective in the context of quantum gravity, and to relate it to a straightforward realist understanding of general relativity.


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Item Type: Preprint
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Lam, VincentVincent.Lam@univ-grenoble-alpes.fr
Wuthrich, Christianchristian.wuthrich@unige.ch0000-0001-8774-6160
Additional Information: 16 pages. Forthcoming in Synthese.
Keywords: Spacetime functionalism, emergence of spacetime, quantum gravity, wave function monism, local beables, dynamical approach to general relativity, structural realism, scientific realism, naturalism.
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics
Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Gravity
Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
General Issues > Realism/Anti-realism
General Issues > Reductionism/Holism
Specific Sciences > Physics > Relativity Theory
Depositing User: Christian Wuthrich
Date Deposited: 24 Mar 2020 01:27
Last Modified: 24 Mar 2020 01:27
Item ID: 17021
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics
Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Gravity
Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
General Issues > Realism/Anti-realism
General Issues > Reductionism/Holism
Specific Sciences > Physics > Relativity Theory
Date: 23 March 2020
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/17021

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