Ferreiro, Antonio and Fleuren, Alex and Martens, Niels C.M. (2025) Deflating the Spacetime-Matter Dichotomy. [Preprint]

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Abstract

In this paper we analyse scalar-tensor theories——specific instances of which include mainstream inflation and dark energy models——in light of the spacetime-matter dichotomy. We argue that it is difficult to categorise the scalar fields as either a pure aspect of the spacetime structure or a pure form of matter, by focusing on the Jordan vs Einstein frames of these theories. We present and evaluate various interpretational options available, concluding that the spacetime-matter dichotomy becomes untenable in this context. At the same time, the ontological and conceptual category of spacetime can be decoupled from that of gravity, with the latter remaining viable in the context of scalar-tensor theories.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Ferreiro, Antonio a.e.ferreirodeaguiar@uu.nl Fleuren, Alex alex.fleuren@gmail.com Martens, Niels C.M. martensniels@gmail.com 0000-0002-2839-1387
Keywords:	spacetime–matter distinction, scalar-tensor theories, cosmology, gravity, general relativity
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Physics > Cosmology Specific Sciences > Physics > Fields and Particles Specific Sciences > Physics > Relativity Theory
Depositing User:	Dr, Antonio Ferreiro
Date Deposited:	12 Jan 2026 14:21
Last Modified:	12 Jan 2026 14:21
Item ID:	27866
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Physics > Cosmology Specific Sciences > Physics > Fields and Particles Specific Sciences > Physics > Relativity Theory
Date:	2025
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/27866

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