B Spacetime: The cause of matter?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on Jonathan Schaffer's paper proposing that matter arises from the curvature of spacetime, a concept known as super-substantivalism, as referenced by philosopher Philip Goff. This idea challenges the traditional view that mass causes spacetime curvature, suggesting instead that mass is a manifestation of spacetime itself. Participants question whether it is widely accepted that particles are merely manifestations of fields and if this perspective allows for a deeper understanding of mass as curvature. However, it is noted that Schaffer's philosophical approach lacks a mathematical model to make testable predictions, leading to the conclusion that the topic is more philosophical than scientific. Ultimately, the thread emphasizes the need for a physics-based model to substantiate such claims.
Buckethead
Gold Member
Messages
560
Reaction score
38
TL;DR Summary
Thoughts on the idea that the curvature of spacetime causes matter and not the other way around
In a paper written by Jonathan Schaffer entitled Spacetime the one substance (https://philpapers.org/rec/SCHSTO-7) which I have not read but which I found as a reference in a book by philosopher Philip Goff, Goff suggests that matter is actually created by a curvature in spacetime rather than the curvature of spacetime being caused by mass. An idea he refers to as super-substantivalism.

This idea is fascinating to me since I have seen videos or books (sorry no references) suggesting that particles an just manifestations of fields. So my questions are:
Is it generally accepted that particles are indeed just manifestations of fields and if so:
Does it make sense to leave out that middleman and just go one level deeper and accept that mass is just a manifestation of curvature of spacetime? It's an appealing idea and I was wondering what thoughts folks have on this idea?
 
  • Like
Likes Delta2
Space news on Phys.org
In Einstein equation LHS express a spacetime feature and RHS express energy-momentum. One is always accompanied by the other but it may not be appropriate to say one comes first then the other follows.
 
  • Like
Likes Buckethead
Buckethead said:
Goff suggests that matter is actually created by a curvature in spacetime rather than the curvature of spacetime being caused by mass.
The paper you reference is philosophy, not physics. A physics model of this suggestion would have to actually do math to construct a model that actually made testable predictions. The paper does not do that. As such, it is off topic for discussion in this forum.

Thread closed.
 
  • Like
Likes Vanadium 50

Thread 'Questions about quantum cosmology'

what is the current status of the field for quantum cosmology, are there any observations that support any theory of quantum cosmology? is it just cosmology during the Planck era or does it extend past the Planck era. what are the leading candidates into research into quantum cosmology and which physics departments research it? how much respect does loop quantum cosmology has compared to string cosmology with actual cosmologists?
View full post »

Similar threads

A Dark matter and spacetime metric
Replies
8
Views
4K
B What Causes Mass to Exert Gravitational Pull?
Replies
1
Views
2K
B Gravitational fields affecting each other?
Replies
21
Views
2K
B Mechanics behind curved time causing gravitation/geodesics
Replies
27
Views
6K
B Bending of Spacetime: Time Delay?
Replies
14
Views
2K
Could Dark Mass Be a Possible Explanation for Missing Particles in the Universe?
2
Replies
68
Views
12K
B Is the smooth dark matter deBroglie's subquantic medium?
Replies
16
Views
3K
B What fraction of the matter in the universe is in black holes?
Replies
15
Views
3K
I Is There A Simple Dark Matter Solution Rooted In GR?
Replies
11
Views
3K
What is the Difference Between Curved Space and Curved Spacetime?
Replies
10
Views
5K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top