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The Unbearable Indefiniteness of Spacetime.

Enrico Cinti1,2, Cristian Mariani3, Marco Sanchioni4

  • 1Department of Philosophy, University of Geneva, 5, Rue de Candolle, CH-1211 Gèneve 4, Geneva, Switzerland.

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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

We propose that spatiotemporal properties in quantum gravity (QG) are ontologically indeterminate, offering a new perspective on fundamental physics. This challenges the view that spacetime is not fundamental in quantum gravity theories.

Keywords:
Loop quantum gravityNon-commutativityOntological indeterminacyQuantum gravityQuantum indeterminacyString theory

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Area of Science:

  • Physics
  • Quantum Gravity
  • Philosophy of Science

Background:

  • Spatiotemporal properties in quantum gravity (QG) are described by non-commuting operators in String Theory and Loop QG.
  • Current debates often overlook the interpretation of these properties as ontologically indeterminate.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the implications of ontological indeterminacy for spatiotemporal properties in QG.
  • To offer an alternative to the view that spacetime is not fundamental in QG.

Main Methods:

  • Drawing analogies with non-relativistic quantum mechanics.
  • Analyzing the role of non-commuting operators in describing observables.

Main Results:

  • Physical quantities corresponding to spatiotemporal observables may be ontologically indeterminate.
  • This interpretation offers a clearer understanding of QG features continuity with quantum mechanics.
  • It opens new questions regarding the Eigenstate-Eigenvalue link in QG.

Conclusions:

  • The concept of ontological indeterminacy extends beyond non-relativistic quantum mechanics.
  • Spacetime in QG can be considered indeterminate yet fundamental, challenging prevailing views.