Müller, Thomas (2013) A generalized manifold topology for branching space-times. In: UNSPECIFIED.

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Abstract

The logical theory of branching space-times (Belnap, Synthese 1992), which provides a relativistic framework for studying objective indeterminism, remains mostly disconnected from the discussion of space-time theories in the philosophy of physics. Earman has criticized the branching approach and suggested ``pruning some branches from branching space-time'' (2008).

This paper identifies the different---order-theoretic vs.
topological---points of view of both discussions as a reason for certain misunderstandings, and tries to remove them. Most importantly, we give a novel, topological criterion of modal consistency that usefully generalizes an earlier criterion, and we introduce a differential-geometrical version of branching space-times as a non- Hausdorff (generalized) manifold.

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Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (UNSPECIFIED)
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Müller, Thomas Thomas.Mueller@phil.uu.nl
Keywords:	Indeterminism; possibility; branching; general relativity; modal consistency; non- Hausdorff manifolds
Subjects:	General Issues > Determinism/Indeterminism Specific Sciences > Physics > Relativity Theory
Depositing User:	Dr. Thomas Müller
Date Deposited:	07 Jan 2013 02:16
Last Modified:	07 Jan 2013 02:16
Item ID:	9504
Subjects:	General Issues > Determinism/Indeterminism Specific Sciences > Physics > Relativity Theory
Date:	4 January 2013
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/9504

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