Philosophy Beyond Spacetime: Introduction

viXra, 2015

The change of the state of motion of physical systems is characterized by the change of its velocity; an important aspect of Relativity Theory (RT). Quantum mechanics (QM) implies space-time itself may be quantum in nature if QM is to comply with RT geometrically; i.e. Loop quantum gravity theory (LQG) as a quantum space-time. The nature of time and its intimate relationship with space as described by RT is not so obviously defined but dealt with as an abstract entity that exists in physical reality. But physical reality demands similar dynamical space-time notion as mostly expressed by LQG. Here, following the concept of quantum space-time, I describe time as a numerical value of space such that the rules of RT are satisfied. Length contraction, time dilation and the forward arrow of time are explained accordingly. The intention here is to add dynamical aspect to the notion of time by defining it as a property of the dynamical space itself under the rules of RT but adding a dynamic...

2001

We explore the possibility of a Bohmian approach to the problem of finding a quantum theory incorporating gravitational phenomena. The major conceptual problems of canonical quantum gravity are the problem of time and the problem of diffeomorphism invariant observables. We find that these problems are artifacts of the subjectivity and vagueness inherent in the framework of orthodox quantum theory. When we insist upon ontological clarity-the distinguishing characteristic of a Bohmian approach-these conceptual problems vanish. We shall also discuss the implications of a Bohmian perspective for the significance of the wave function, concluding with unbridled speculation as to why the universe should be governed by laws so apparently bizarre as those of quantum mechanics.

Quantum Physics Without Quantum Philosophy, 2012

We explore the possibility of a Bohmian approach to the problem of finding a quantum theory incorporating gravitational phenomena. The major conceptual problems of canonical quantum gravity are the problem of time and the problem of diffeomorphism invariant observables. We find that these problems are artifacts of the subjectivity and vagueness inherent in the framework of orthodox quantum theory. When we insist upon ontological clarity-the distinguishing characteristic of a Bohmian approach-these conceptual problems vanish. We shall also discuss the implications of a Bohmian perspective for the significance of the wave function, concluding with unbridled speculation as to why the universe should be governed by laws so apparently bizarre as those of quantum mechanics.

Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part B Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics, 2013

2017

This paper examines two cosmological models of quantum gravity (from string theory and loop quantum gravity) to investigate the foundational and conceptual issues arising from quantum treatments of the big bang. While the classical singularity is erased, the quantum evolution that replaces it may not correspond to classical spacetime: it may instead be a non-spatiotemporal region, which somehow transitions to a spatiotemporal state. The different kinds of transition involved are partially characterized, the concept of a physical transition without time is investigated, and the problem of empirical incoherence for regions without spacetime is discussed.

Theory of everything must include consciousness. In this article, we focus on introducing the subjective experience (SE) aspect of consciousness in modern quantum physics, namely, loop quantum gravity (LQG) and string theory by using the methodology of examining invariance of these theories under the PE-SE transformations, where PEs (proto-experiences) are precursors of SEs. In our dualaspect-dual-mode PE-SE framework, (i) each of strings, loops, elementary particles, inert matter, or neural-networks has physical (material) and mental aspects, and (ii) there are three competing hypotheses: superposition based H 1 , superposition-thenintegration H 2 , and integration based H 3 as discussed in Part I. In Part I and Part II of this series of 3 articles, we introduced the SE aspect of consciousness in classical and orthodox quantum physics, respectively, which are invariant under PE-SE transformations. In the current Part III, the critical components of LQG with Palatini action appear invariant under this transformation. In string theory, for H 1 and H 2 , we quantitatively introduce the superposition of potential experiences (SEs/PEs) in the mental aspect of bosonic and fermionic strings using the Polyakov action. We find that experiences are independent of the time-like and space-like parameters (τ, σ).

Synthese, 2020

Kant e-Prints, 2021

The paper surveys the possibility of keeping a neo-Kantian approach in the face of Loop Quantum Gravity (LQG). Together with a preliminary analysis of Cassirer's reinterpretation of Kantian philosophy that allowed him to harmonize the a priori cognitions with the theory of relativity and quantum mechanics (QM), it will focus on the distinction between constitutive and regulative a priori. In this way, the paper will suggest that despite Rovelli's refutation of Kant's interpretation of space and time, he seems, at least implicitly, to hold to a couple of neo-Kantian assumptions: (i) the usage of constitutive a priori principles such as granularity, indeterminism and partially relation, (ii) and the claim for functionalism as a rule in ordering the 'appearances'.

Synthese, 2020

In prior work, we have argued that spacetime functionalism provides tools for clarifying the conceptual difficulties specifically linked to the emergence of spacetime in certain approaches to quantum gravity. We argue in this article that spacetime functionalism in quantum gravity is radically different from other functionalist approaches that have been suggested in quantum mechanics and general relativity: in contrast to these latter cases, it does not compete with purely interpretative alternatives, but is rather intertwined with the physical theorizing itself at the level of quantum gravity. Spacetime functionalism allows one to articulate a coherent realist perspective in the context of quantum gravity, and to relate it to a straightforward realist understanding of general relativity.

Social text, 1996