Atomism and Relationalism as guiding principles for Quantum Gravity

TL;DR

This paper examines how atomism and relationalism serve as foundational principles in the development of Loop Quantum Gravity, highlighting their philosophical and methodological significance.

Contribution

It provides a philosophical analysis of the conceptual basis and assumptions underlying Loop Quantum Gravity, emphasizing the roles of atomism and relationalism.

Findings

Atomism and relationalism are central to Loop Quantum Gravity's development.

The paper clarifies philosophical issues addressed by the theory.

It discusses methodological assumptions in quantum gravity research.

Abstract

The research in quantum gravity has jauntily grown in the recent years, intersecting with conceptual and philosophical issues that have a long history. In this paper I analyze the conceptual basis on which Loop Quantum Gravity has grown, the way it deals with some classical problems of philosophy of science and the main methodological and philosophical assumptions on which it is based. In particular, I emphasize the importance that atomism (in the broadest sense) and relationalism have had in the construction of the theory.