Document Type
Article
Publication Date
Fall 11-2014
DOI
10.1063/1.4899081
Abstract
We present a novel derivation of both the Minkowski metric and Lorentz transformations from the consistent quantification of a causally ordered set of events with respect to an embedded observer. Unlike past derivations, which have relied on assumptions such as the existence of a 4-dimensional manifold, symmetries of space-time, or the constant speed of light, we demonstrate that these now familiar mathematics can be derived as the unique means to consistently quantify a network of events. This suggests that space-time need not be physical, but instead the mathematics of space and time emerges as the unique way in which an observer can consistently quantify events and their relationships to one another. The result is a potential foundation for emergent space-time.
Recommended Citation
Knuth, Kevin H. and Bahreyni, Newshaw, "A Potential Foundation for Emergent Space-Time" (2014). Physics Faculty Scholarship. 1.
https://scholarsarchive.library.albany.edu/physics_fac_scholar/1
Terms of Use
This work is made available under the Scholars Archive Terms of Use.
Comments
Publisher Acknowledgment
Knuth K.H., Bahreyni N. 2014. A potential foundation for emergent space-time, Journal of Mathematical Physics, 55, 112501. doi:10.1063/1.4899081, arXiv:1209.0881 [math-ph]