Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
1161202 | Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part B: Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics | 2013 | 8 Pages |
We argue that in current spacetime physics there can be no dynamical derivation of primitive geometrical notions such as length. We illustrate our argument by focusing on two case studies: the special theory of relativity and some approaches to quantum gravity, and we argue that in these cases, some geometrical notions are assumed rather than derived. Our argument suggests a new reading of Einstein's views on the status of geometry vs. dynamics.
►We present a no-go argument against attempts to “reduce“ geometry to dynamics in quantum gravity. ►We show why these attempts can be regarded at most as consistency proofs rather than derivations. ►We demonstrate our argument in loop quantum gravity and the causal set approach. ►As historical background we discuss the rarely cited correspondence between Einstein and Swann.