Is Space-time Really Doomed?

TL;DR

This paper explores the evolution of four-dimensional space-time geometry since Einstein, questioning the notion that space-time is fundamentally doomed due to quantum gravity challenges.

Contribution

It offers a historical and conceptual analysis of space-time geometry's development and discusses alternative ideas that may preserve its relevance.

Findings

Space-time geometry has evolved significantly since Einstein.

New ideas suggest space-time may not be fundamentally doomed.

Theoretical developments challenge the notion of space-time's demise.

Abstract

For many years now it has become conventional for theorists to argue that "space-time is doomed", with the difficulties in finding a quantum theory of gravity implying the necessity of basing a fundamental theory on something quite different than usual notions of space-time geometry. But what is this space-time geometry that is doomed? In this essay we'll explore how our understanding of four-dimensional geometry has evolved since Einstein, leading to new ideas about such geometry which may not be doomed at all.