The Foundation of Reality: Fundamentality, Space, and TimeDavid Glick, George Darby, Anna Marmodoro Are space and time fundamental features of our world or might they emerge from something else? The Foundation of Reality brings together metaphysicians and philosophers of physics working on space, time, and fundamentality to address this timely question. Recent developments in the interpretation of quantum mechanics and the understanding of certain approaches to quantum gravity have led philosophers of physics to propose that space and time might be emergent rather than fundamental. But such discussions are often conducted without engagement with those working on fundamentality and related issues in contemporary metaphysics. This book aims to correct this oversight. The diverse contributions to this volume address topics including the nature of fundamentality, the relation of space and time to quantum entanglement, and space and time in theories of quantum gravity. Only through consideration of a range of different approaches to the topic can we hope to get clear on the status of space and time in our contemporary understanding of physical reality. |
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The Foundation of Reality: Fundamentality, Space, and Time David Glick,George Darby,Anna Marmodoro Limited preview - 2020 |
The Foundation of Reality: Fundamentality, Space, and Time David Glick,George Darby,Anna Marmodoro Limited preview - 2020 |
Common terms and phrases
according actual allows appear applied approach argue argument assignment assumption base basic called causal causal set chapter claim classical commitment conception concerning configuration connection consider constant converse coupling criterion defined dependence derivative described determined dimensions direction discussion distance distinct duality effective elements emergence entanglement entities essential example existence explain fact follows fundamental give given gravity grounding hence holds idea identity instance instantiation interpretation involves laws least located look matter means measurement metaphysical metric modal nature notion objects observables ontological operation particles particular philosophy physical points position possible present principles problem properties quantities quantum mechanics quantum theory question reality reason reference regions relations relative relativistic relevant represented requires result role seems sense space spacetime spatiotemporal special relativity strong structure suggest symmetric systems of units things universe values wave function realism