Manchak, JB (2025) The Universe Is Unknowable from Within It. [Preprint]

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Abstract

This is a non-technical piece concerning the unknowability of the universe within the context of general relativity. It is well known that the region beyond the 'observable universe' is unknowable. What is not well known is this: even if one were somehow able to observe this unobservable region, the universe would remain unknowable. Indeed, the puzzling state of affairs would persist even if one were given an all-access pass to every possible observation at every possible place and time -- here, there, past, present, and future. Here, I argue that there is a sense in which the universe is fundamentally unknowable via observations made from within it.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Manchak, JB jmanchak@uci.edu
Keywords:	Underdetermination, Unknowability, Spacetime, General Relativity,
Subjects:	General Issues > Confirmation/Induction Specific Sciences > Physics > Cosmology Specific Sciences > Physics General Issues > Realism/Anti-realism Specific Sciences > Physics > Relativity Theory
Depositing User:	JB Manchak
Date Deposited:	18 Oct 2025 12:59
Last Modified:	18 Oct 2025 12:59
Item ID:	26959
Subjects:	General Issues > Confirmation/Induction Specific Sciences > Physics > Cosmology Specific Sciences > Physics General Issues > Realism/Anti-realism Specific Sciences > Physics > Relativity Theory
Date:	2025
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/26959

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