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The Metaphysics of Emergent Spacetime Theories

Martens, Niels C.M. (2019) The Metaphysics of Emergent Spacetime Theories. Philosophy Compass, 14 (7).

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Abstract

The debate concerning the ontological status of spacetime is standardly construed as a dilemma between substantivalism and relationalism. I argue that a trilemma is more appropriate, emergent spacetime theories being the third category. Traditional philosophical arguments do not distinguish between emergent spacetime and substantivalism. It is arguments from physics that suggest giving up substantivalism in favour of emergent spacetime theories. The remaining new dilemma is between emergent spacetime and relationalism. I provide a list of questions, which one should consider when discussing emergent spacetime theories, and apply them to a quantum superfluid toy model of emergent spacetime.


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Item Type: Published Article or Volume
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Martens, Niels C.M.martensniels@gmail.com0000-0002-2839-1387
Keywords: Emergent spacetime, substantivalism, relationalism
Subjects: General Issues > Scientific Metaphysics
Specific Sciences > Physics
Depositing User: Dr Niels C.M. Martens
Date Deposited: 08 Dec 2021 05:21
Last Modified: 08 Dec 2021 05:21
Item ID: 19985
Journal or Publication Title: Philosophy Compass
Publisher: Wiley
Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1111/phc3.12596
DOI or Unique Handle: 10.1111/phc3.12596
Subjects: General Issues > Scientific Metaphysics
Specific Sciences > Physics
Date: July 2019
Volume: 14
Number: 7
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/19985

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