Is the relativistic Structure of Spacetime Ontic or Epistemic?

TL;DR

This paper explores whether the fundamental structure of spacetime is an objective reality or a construct of our knowledge, especially considering quantum theory and nonlocal correlations.

Contribution

It critically examines the ontic versus epistemic nature of spacetime structure in light of quantum theory and relativistic principles.

Findings

Highlights the debate on the ontological status of quantum entities.

Discusses the challenge of explaining Bell correlations within relativity.

Suggests re-evaluating spacetime understanding in quantum context.

Abstract

As repeatedly emphasized by Einstein our knowledge of the structure of space and time is based entirely on inferences from observations of physical objects and processes. At the most fundamental level these objects and processes are described by quantum theory. However, the ontological status of the theoretical entities employed by quantum theory is a matter of considerable debate. Furthermore, the nonlocal correlations identified by Bell cannot readily be explained within the standard relativistic framework. This suggests that we should re-examine our understanding of spacetime.