What Is Our Current Understanding of the Fabric of Space?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the current understanding of the concept of space, particularly whether it can be considered a "fabric" or merely a geometric framework. Participants explore philosophical implications and seek resources for further reading on the topic.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the capability of philosophy to address the nature of space, referencing Einstein's view of space as a structure for events.
  • Another participant asserts that modern cosmology does not support the idea of a "fabric" of space, describing it instead as a framework without substance, leading to confusion from the terminology used by Einstein.
  • Several participants express the need for specific literature on the topic, with one suggesting that fundamental texts on cosmology should cover the concept of space.
  • One participant recommends Sean Carroll's lecture notes on general relativity and standard textbooks like MTWs Gravitation as useful resources.
  • A philosophical assertion is made that "absolute nothing" discussed by philosophers might actually refer to space, prompting skepticism from another participant regarding the philosophical discourse on the subject.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the interpretation of space, with some emphasizing the absence of a "fabric" and others questioning the philosophical implications. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the philosophical aspects of space.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the definitions of space and the implications of terminology used, which are not fully explored or agreed upon.

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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