B What Is Our Current Understanding of the Fabric of Space?

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Current understanding in modern cosmology indicates that space does not possess a "fabric" but is merely a geometric framework where events occur, lacking any substance. The terminology used by Einstein and others has caused confusion, as the concept of a fabric implies stretchability, which does not apply to space. Instead, objects in space simply move farther apart without altering the nature of space itself. Recommendations for further reading include Sean Carroll's lecture notes on general relativity and standard cosmology textbooks like MTW's "Gravitation." The discussion concludes that philosophical interpretations of space may not align with scientific understanding.
icantevenn
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I am a student of philosophy but I think philosophy is not capable of answering this. My question is, what is our current understanding of the fabric of space? Einstein understood it as a structure in which events happened. Can you suggest papers/books that deal with this? Really appreciate your help.
 
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The consensus in modern cosmology is that there is no "fabric" of space. Space is just a framework in which things happen. It has no substance. It is just geometry. The choice of the word "fabric" by Einstein and then others, was very unfortunate as it leads to much confusion. A fabric and be stretched but space cannot; things (outside of bound systems) just get farther apart
 
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phinds said:
The consensus in modern cosmology is that there is no "fabric" of space. Space is just a framework in which things happen. It has no substance. It is just geometry. The choice of the word "fabric" by Einstein and then others, was very unfortunate as it leads to much confusion. A fabric and be stretched but space cannot; things (outside of bound systems) just get farther apart
Are there any books specifically dealing with this topic?
 
That one I can't answer, although most any fundamental text on cosmology should cover it. Perhaps one of our members can recommend something specific.
 
Yes, I like Sean Carroll's lecture notes on general relativity. There are also the standard textbooks like MTWs Gravitation.
 
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phinds said:
The consensus in modern cosmology is that there is no "fabric" of space. Space is just a framework in which things happen. It has no substance. It is just geometry. The choice of the word "fabric" by Einstein and then others, was very unfortunate as it leads to much confusion. A fabric and be stretched but space cannot; things (outside of bound systems) just get farther apart

So, philosopically speaking, the "absolute nothing" that the philosophers keep talking about is actually space. Right?
 
I don't think even the philosophers know what they are talking about. Which is why we don't discuss philosophy here.
 
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Agreed, thread closed.
 

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