Norton, Joshua (2015) Loop quantum ontology: spin-networks and spacetime. [Preprint]

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Abstract

The ontological issues at stake given the theory of loop quantum gravity (LQG) include the status of spacetime, the nature and reality of spin-networks, the relationship of classical spacetime to issues of causation and the status of the abstract-concrete distinction. I this paper I argue that, while spacetime seems to disappear, the spirit of substantival spacetime lives on under certain interpretations of the theory. Moreover, in order for there to be physical spin-networks, and not merely mathematical artifacts, I argue that we must interpret the theory as including a substantival background manifold. This latter result is important for any project which interprets spacetime as an emergent structure from physical spin-networks.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Norton, Joshua joshua.d.norton@gmail.com
Additional Information:	This document was originally written as a portion of the dissertation of Joshua Norton from the University if Illinois at Chicago.
Keywords:	loop quantum gravity, spin-networks, emergence, general relativity, quantum gravity
Subjects:	General Issues > History of Philosophy of Science Specific Sciences > Physics
Depositing User:	Mr Joshua Norton
Date Deposited:	03 Apr 2016 18:42
Last Modified:	03 Apr 2016 18:42
Item ID:	12016
Subjects:	General Issues > History of Philosophy of Science Specific Sciences > Physics
Date:	July 2015
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/12016

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• Loop quantum ontology: spin-networks and spacetime. (deposited 03 Apr 2016 18:42) [Currently Displayed]
  • Loop quantum ontology: spacetime and spin-networks. (deposited 20 Apr 2020 22:10)

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