Bunge on gravitational waves

TL;DR

This paper discusses Mario Bunge's philosophical claims about gravitational waves, affirming the materiality of spacetime but critiquing his identification of spacetime with the gravitational field, and analyzing his view on spacetime inside a hollow sphere.

Contribution

The paper critically examines Bunge's philosophical interpretation of gravitational waves and clarifies misconceptions about spacetime's nature and properties.

Findings

Bunge correctly links gravitational wave detection to spacetime materiality

The critique of Bunge's analysis of spacetime inside a hollow sphere is detailed

Main claims about spacetime's materiality remain valid despite specific objections

Abstract

I discuss the recent claims made by Mario Bunge on the philosophical implications of the discovery of gravitational waves. I think that Bunge is right when he points out that the detection implies the materiality of spacetime, but I reject his identification of spacetime with the gravitational field. I show that Bunge's analysis of the spacetime inside a hollow sphere is defective, but this in no way affects his main claim.