Philosophical problems of space-time theories

TL;DR

This paper explores fundamental philosophical issues in space-time theories, discussing the nature of space and time, determinism, irreversibility, and the reconciliation of relativity with quantum mechanics.

Contribution

It offers a novel philosophical perspective on space-time, proposing a Parmenidean view of time, clarifying determinism versus predictability, and introducing a non-local causality concept.

Findings

Supports a Parmenidean view of time and change

Links the origin of irreversibility to cosmological horizons

Proposes a non-local causality compatible with relativity and quantum entanglement

Abstract

I present a discussion of some open issues in the philosophy of space-time theories. Emphasis is put on the ontological nature of space and time, the relation between determinism and predictability, the origin of irreversible processes in an expanding Universe, and the compatibility of relativity and quantum mechanics. In particular, I argue for a Parmenidean view of time and change, I make clear the difference between ontological determinism and predictability, propose that the origin of the asymmetry observed in physical processes is related to the existence of cosmological horizons, and present a non-local concept of causality that can accommodate both special relativity and quantum entanglement.