The Foundations of Spacetime Physics Philosophical Perspectives

This book provides an up-to-date overview of the foundations of spacetime physics. It features original essays written by world-class experts in the physics and philosophy of spacetime. The foundational questions regarding the origin and nature of spacetime are branching into new and exciting directions. These questions are not restricted to the quantum gravity program but also arise in the context of a well-established theory like general relativity. Against the background of these quick and diverse developments, this volume features a broad range of perspectives on spacetime. Part I focuses on the nature of spacetime in non-quantum theories, such as Newtonian mechanics and relativity. Part II explores some intriguing conceptual implications of developing a quantum theory of spacetime. The Foundations of Spacetime Physics is an essential resource for scholars and advanced students working in philosophy of physics, philosophy of science, and scientific metaphysics.

Introduction, Antonio Vassallo Part I: Classical spacetime physics Chapter 1. Shifts and reference, Bryan Cheng and James Read Chapter 2. Plugging holes in sophisticated substantivalism, Tomasz Bigaj Chapter 3. What represents space-time? And what follows for substantivalism vs. relationalism and gravitational energy?, J. Brian Pitts Chapter 4. The physics and metaphysics of pure shape dynamics, Antonio Vassallo, Pedro Naranjo, and Tim Koslowski Chapter 5. Rotating black holes as time machines: An interim report, Juliusz Doboszewski Part II: Quantum gravity Chapter 6. Spacetime quietism in quantum gravity, Sam Baron and Baptiste Le Bihan Chapter 7. Space the many substances, Vera Matarese Chapter 8. Quantum metaphysics and the foundations of spacetime, Vincent Lam, Laurie Letertre, and Cristian Mariani Chapter 9. Four attitudes towards singularities in the search for a theory of quantum gravity, Karen Crowther and Sebastian De Haro Chapter 10. TGFT condensate cosmology as an example of spacetime emergence in quantum gravity, Daniele Oriti

Antonio Vassallo is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Warsaw University of Technology, Poland, where he coordinates the philosophy of physics research group. His recent publications include "Does General Relativity Highlight Necessary Connections in Nature?" (Synthese, 2021) and "Dependence Relations in General Relativity" (European Journal for Philosophy of Science, 2020).