Emergence of spacetime
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Emergence of Spacetime: Insights from Quantum Gravity
Introduction to Spacetime Emergence
The concept of spacetime emergence challenges the traditional view that spacetime is a fundamental aspect of reality. Instead, research in quantum gravity suggests that spacetime may arise from a more fundamental, non-spatiotemporal reality1 6. This article synthesizes recent research on the emergence of spacetime, exploring various theoretical frameworks and their implications.
Quantum Gravity and Non-Spatiotemporal Reality
Non-Fundamental Nature of Spacetime
Quantum gravity theories propose that the underlying reality is significantly non-spatiotemporal. This means that the familiar dimensions of space and time are not fundamental but emerge from deeper, more abstract structures1 6. For instance, in loop quantum gravity and string theory, the classical singularity of the big bang is replaced by a non-spatiotemporal region that transitions into a spatiotemporal state3.
Functionalism and Emergence
One approach to understanding spacetime emergence is through functionalism, which suggests that spacetime's role can be understood in terms of its functional properties rather than its fundamental existence. However, traditional functionalist approaches may not fully capture the complexity of spacetime emergence, leading to the exploration of partial functionalism, where only certain aspects of spacetime are functionalized1.
Models of Spacetime Emergence
Synchronic and Diachronic Emergence
Emergence can be categorized into synchronic and diachronic types. Synchronic emergence involves a less fundamental structure arising from a more fundamental one simultaneously, while diachronic emergence involves a structure emerging over time from a prior state. The emergence of spacetime from quantum gravity challenges these traditional conceptions, leading to the proposal of more general inter-level and intra-level conceptions of emergence2.
Quantum Entanglement and Spacetime
Research indicates that quantum entanglement plays a crucial role in the emergence of spacetime. The entanglement of quantum degrees of freedom can lead to the formation of classically connected spacetimes. Conversely, disentangling these degrees of freedom can cause regions of spacetime to separate, illustrating a direct relationship between entanglement and spacetime structure4 5 7.
Philosophical and Ontological Implications
Substantivalism vs. Relationalism
The debate on the ontological status of spacetime traditionally revolves around substantivalism (spacetime as a fundamental entity) and relationalism (spacetime as a derivative entity). Emergent spacetime theories introduce a third perspective, suggesting that spacetime is neither purely fundamental nor purely relational but emerges from more fundamental entities8.
Structural Interpretations
Structural realists have long debated the nature of spacetime in classical general relativity. Recent discussions extend these debates to quantum gravity, examining how classical curved spacetime can be connected to quantum structures like spin networks in loop quantum gravity. This approach seeks to bridge the gap between classical and quantum descriptions of spacetime9.
Conclusion
The emergence of spacetime from quantum gravity is a complex and multifaceted topic that challenges traditional notions of space and time. By exploring various theoretical frameworks, including functionalism, quantum entanglement, and structural interpretations, researchers aim to understand how our familiar spatiotemporal reality arises from a deeper, non-spatiotemporal foundation. This ongoing research not only advances our understanding of the universe but also raises profound philosophical questions about the nature of reality itself.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
The curious case of spacetime emergence
Spacetime emergence is not fundamental, and a functionalist approach based on mental state functionalism is not a viable alternative to the standard conception of emergence in metaphysics.
As below, so before: ‘synchronic’ and ‘diachronic’ conceptions of spacetime emergence
Two more-general conceptions of emergence, an inter-level hierarchical and intra-level 'flat', may apply to emergent spacetime, challenging the traditional synchronic and diachronic conceptions.
The (A)temporal Emergence of Spacetime
Quantum gravity models suggest the big bang may not be a classical singularity, but a nonspatiotemporal region transitioning to a spatiotemporal state, potentially causing empirical incoherence.
Building up spacetime with quantum entanglement
Quantum entanglement plays a crucial role in the emergence of classically connected spacetimes, with two regions of spacetime pulling apart and pinching off from each other in a quantifiable manner.
Highly CitedBuilding up spacetime with quantum entanglement
Quantum entanglement plays a crucial role in the emergence of classically connected spacetimes, leading to the pull apart and pinching off of regions in quantum gravity.
Highly CitedSpacetime is as spacetime does
Quantum gravity theories must establish how relativistic spacetime emerges from non-spatiotemporal structures, focusing on functionally relevant features for empirical evidence.
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