Geometry, pregeometry and beyond

Details Geometry, pregeometry and beyond Geometry, pregeometry and beyond

2004-11-10

arxiv.org/abs/gr-qc/0411053v3

Stud.Hist.Philos.Mod.Phys. 36 (2005) 435-464

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology

41 pages, Latex. v2: Date added. v3: Main arguments refined, secondary discussions abridged; expands on the published version

Scientific paper

10.1016/j.shpsb.2005.01.002

This article explores the overall geometric manner in which human beings make sense of the world around them by means of their physical theories; in particular, in what are nowadays called pregeometric pictures of Nature. In these, the pseudo-Riemannian manifold of general relativity is considered a flawed description of spacetime and it is attempted to replace it by theoretical constructs of a different character, ontologically prior to it. However, despite its claims to the contrary, pregeometry is found to surreptitiously and unavoidably fall prey to the very mode of description it endeavours to evade, as evidenced in its all-pervading geometric understanding of the world. The question remains as to the deeper reasons for this human, geometric predilection--present, as a matter of fact, in all of physics--and as to whether it might need to be superseded in order to achieve the goals that frontier theoretical physics sets itself at the dawn of a new century: a sounder comprehension of the physical meaning of empty spacetime.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Geometry, pregeometry and beyond does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Geometry, pregeometry and beyond, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Geometry, pregeometry and beyond will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-480177