Patrick, Ryan (2024) Cosmic Topology, Underdetermination, and Spatial Infinity. [Preprint]
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Abstract
It is well-known that the global structure of every space-time model for relativistic cosmology is observationally underdetermined. In order to alleviate the severity of this underdetermination, it has been proposed that we adopt the Cosmological Principle because the Principle restricts our attention to a distinguished class of space-time models (spatially homogeneous and isotropic models). I argue that, even assuming the Cosmological Principle, the topology of space remains observationally underdetermined. Nonetheless, I argue that we can muster reasons to prefer various topological properties over others. In particular, I favor the adoption of multiply connected universe models on grounds of (i) simplicity, (ii) Machian considerations, and (iii) explanatory power. We are able to appeal to such grounds because multiply connected topologies open up the possibility of finite universe models (consistent with our best data), which in turn avoid thorny issues concerning the postulation of an actually infinite universe.
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| Item Type: | Preprint | ||||||
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| Additional Information: | Forthcoming in the European Journal for Philosophy of Science. | ||||||
| Keywords: | Global Spacetime Structure; Cosmology; General Relativity; Underdetermination; Infinity | ||||||
| Subjects: | Specific Sciences > Physics > Cosmology General Issues > History of Philosophy of Science Specific Sciences > Mathematics Specific Sciences > Physics > Relativity Theory |
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| Depositing User: | Mr. Patrick Ryan | ||||||
| Date Deposited: | 16 Feb 2024 13:22 | ||||||
| Last Modified: | 16 Feb 2024 13:22 | ||||||
| Item ID: | 23095 | ||||||
| Subjects: | Specific Sciences > Physics > Cosmology General Issues > History of Philosophy of Science Specific Sciences > Mathematics Specific Sciences > Physics > Relativity Theory |
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| Date: | 2024 | ||||||
| URI: | https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/23095 |
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