Introduction to causal sets: an alternate view of spacetime structure

TL;DR

This paper introduces the causal set hypothesis as an alternative framework for understanding spacetime in quantum gravity, explaining its theoretical basis, formal development, and potential advantages.

Contribution

It offers a comprehensive introduction to causal set theory, including its logical structure, formal development, and illustrative examples for students and researchers.

Findings

Causal sets may provide a suitable structure for quantum gravity

The paper clarifies the arguments supporting causal set theory

It presents formal development and examples of causal set models

Abstract

This paper provides a thorough introduction to the causal set hypothesis aimed at students, and other interested persons, with some knowledge of general relativity and nonrelativistic quantum mechanics. I elucidate the arguments for why the causal set structure might be the appropriate structure for a theory of quantum gravity. The logical and formal development of a causal set theory as well as a few illuminating examples are also provided.