Quantum gravity and mereology : Not so simple

Journal article

Baron, Sam and Le Bihan, Baptiste. (2022). Quantum gravity and mereology : Not so simple. The Philosophical Quarterly. 72(1), pp. 19-40. https://doi.org/10.1093/pq/pqab016
AuthorsBaron, Sam and Le Bihan, Baptiste
Abstract

A number of philosophers have argued in favour of extended simples on the grounds that they are needed by fundamental physics. The arguments typically appeal to theories of quantum gravity. To date, the argument in favour of extended simples has ignored the fact that the very existence of spacetime is put under pressure by quantum gravity. We thus consider the case for extended simples in the context of different views on the existence of spacetime. We show that the case for extended simples based on physics is far more complex than has been previously thought. We present and then map this complexity, in order to present a much more textured picture of the argument for extended simples.

Keywordsquantum gravity; extended simples; spacetime; realism; eliminativism; mereology
Year2022
JournalThe Philosophical Quarterly
Journal citation72 (1), pp. 19-40
PublisherOxford University Press
ISSN0031-8094
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1093/pq/pqab016
Scopus EID2-s2.0-85127378747
Open accessPublished as green open access
Page range19-40
FunderAustralian Research Council (ARC)
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Open
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File Access Level
Controlled
Output statusPublished
Publication dates
Online01 Apr 2021
Publication process dates
Deposited15 May 2023
ARC Funded ResearchThis output has been funded, wholly or partially, under the Australian Research Council Act 2001
Grant IDDP180100105
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