From Metaphysics to Physics

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With J. Earman, “From Metaphysics to Physics.” In J. Butterfield, and C. Pagonis (eds.), From Physics to Philosophy. Cambridge University Press (1999), pp. 166-186.

Abstract. We discuss the relationship between the interpretative problems of quantum gravity and those of general relativity. We argue that classical and quantum theories of gravity resuscitate venerable philosophical questions about the nature of space, time, and change; and that the resolution of some of the difficulties facing physicists working on quantum theories of gravity would appear to require philosophical as well as scientific creativity.

Note. This is a companion paper to “Pre-Socratic Quantum Gravity.”

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