Slowik, Edward (2024) The Property Theory of Space and Non-Spacetime Quantum Gravity Theories. [Preprint]

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Abstract

This essay will investigate the spatial ontology debate with regards to those quantum gravity theories that posit non-spatiotemporal elements from which spacetime emerges. As will be argued, whereas substantivalism and relationism both fail to capture the ontology of these non-spatiotemporal theories, such as causal set theory or loop quantum gravity, the largely neglected property theory of space (spacetime) stands out as the best ontological classification, and it also accords with the standard ontological division into substances, properties, and relations. Other approaches, such as spacetime structural realism of spacetime functionalism, will also be shown to be inadequate in comparison with the property theory.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Slowik, Edward eslowik@winona.edu 0000-0003-1181-4520
Keywords:	spacetime, emergence, substantivalism, relationism, quantum gravity, properties
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Gravity
Depositing User:	Edward Slowik
Date Deposited:	29 Aug 2025 13:10
Last Modified:	29 Aug 2025 13:10
Item ID:	26340
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Gravity
Date:	31 January 2024
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/26340

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• The Property Theory of Space and Non-Spacetime Quantum Gravity Theories. (deposited 01 Feb 2024 01:50)

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