Cited by 135Black Holes and Theoretical PhysicsNoncommutative and Quantum Gravity TheoriesRelativity and Gravitational Theory

The DOI matches its Crossref record; 19 of the 19 references it cites were found in a registry or an index; 2 of the 18 sources its claims cite were checked for support.

On the dimensionality of spacetime

Open access
Tegmark, Max·1997·Classical and Quantum Gravity

Abstract

Some superstring theories have more than one effective low-energy limit corresponding to classical spacetimes with different dimensionalities. We argue that all but the (3 + 1)-dimensional one might correspond to `dead worlds', devoid of observers, in which case all such ensemble theories would actually predict that we should find ourselves inhabiting a (3 + 1)-dimensional spacetime. With more or less than one time dimension, the partial differential equations of nature would lack the hyperbolicity property that enables observers to make predictions. In a space with more than three dimensions, there can be no traditional atoms and perhaps no stable structures. A space with less than three dimensions allows no gravitational force and may be too simple and barren to contain observers.

Overview

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

Tegmark argues that only a (3+1)-dimensional spacetime is plausibly compatible with observers, because other numbers of time or space dimensions undermine predictability, stability, or complexity. This turns the multiple-dimensionality prediction of some superstring/ensemble theories from a weakness into a possible selection-effect strength.

Key findings

  • With more or less than one time dimension, the partial differential equations of nature would lack hyperbolicity and well-posed initial-value problems, so observers could not make predictions with finite error bars; only \(m=1\) permits the required predictability.
  • With more than three space dimensions, there are no stable classical atoms or planetary orbits, and the hydrogen atom has no bound states; the two-body problem has no stable orbits and a finite annihilation cross section.
  • With fewer than three space dimensions, general relativity has no gravitational force for \(n<3\), and \(n=2\) faces topological problems such as two nerves being unable to cross; such worlds are conjectured to be too simple and barren for observers.
  • The paper concludes that all other dimensionalities might be “dead worlds,” so ensemble theories may predict that we should find ourselves in (3+1) dimensions with 100% certainty.

Methods

  • Conceptual/analytical letter; no empirical data or sample. It reviews known results on spatial dimensions and presents new arguments about time dimensions.
  • Uses the classification of second-order linear PDEs by eigenvalue signs—elliptic, hyperbolic, ultrahyperbolic—and their causal/well-posedness properties, including Asgeirsson’s theorem.
  • Applies selection-effect/anthropic reasoning: a probability distribution over spacetime dimensionality should be weighted by whether observers can exist in each case.

Limitations

  • The paper explicitly states it has not rigorously demonstrated that observers are impossible for other dimensionalities; it only argues that it is far from obvious that any other \((n,m)\) permits observers, placing the burden of proof on critics.
  • It suggests possible future exploration of stable structures in \((4,1)\) via short-distance quantum corrections or string-like particles.
  • Evident from the text: the argument is qualitative and plausibility-based, with no empirical tests; it focuses mainly on linear PDEs and only briefly asserts that nonlinear terms cannot rescue locally ill-posed problems.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1088/0264-9381/14/4/002

Cites

19 of 19 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Verification

Claims the paper makes

21 Own interpretation · 11 No full text of the sources · 6 No basis given · 2 Sources not found · 1 Supported · 1 Partly supported · 1 Not checked yet · accuracy not yet measured

Verify all 1 references — free account
  • Probably not a substantial claim. 6
  • It may state two separate claims as one. 8
13 of 13
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Many superstring theories have several stable (or extremely long-lived) states that constitute different effective low-energy theories with different spacetime dimensionalities.

    “Many superstring theories have several stable (or extremely long-lived) states that constitute different effective low-energy theories with different spacetime dimensionalities, corresponding to different compactifications of the many (e.g.11 or 26) dimensions of the fundamental manifold.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The tunnelling probabilities between different superstring states are negligible.

    “Since the tunnelling probabilities between these states are negligible”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Observers can only exist in a world exhibiting a certain minimum complexity, predictability and stability.

    “if observers can only exist in a world exhibiting a certain minimum complexity, predictability and stability”
3 of 3

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

1 of 1

Citations

Cites

Show all 17 references

Research works printed but not linked: 1

  1. Ehrenfest P, 1917, Proc. Amsterdam Acad., 20, 200

Cited by

Sorted by citations

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Metadata

Authors
Tegmark, M.
Affiliations
Institute for Advanced Study (US)
Corresponding author
Tegmark, Max
Venue
Classical and Quantum Gravity
Published
1997-04-01
Volume
14
Issue
4
Pages
L69-L75
ISSN
  • 0264-9381 (ISSN-L)
  • 1361-6382
OpenAlex
W2098169780
Cited by
135
References
17
Citations by year
2026: 8 · 2025: 7 · 2024: 3 · 2023: 9 · 2022: 4 · 2021: 7 · 2020: 4 · 2019: 10 · 2018: 1 · 2017: 10 · 2016: 8 · 2015: 8 · 2014: 6 · 2013: 6 · 2012: 3
FWCI
3.60
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Classical and Quantum Gravity (publishedVersion)
  • arXiv (Cornell University) (publishedVersion)
  • CERN Document Server (European Organization for Nuclear Research) (submittedVersion)
  • arXiv (Cornell University)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Physics and Astronomy › Nuclear and High Energy Physics › Black Holes and Theoretical Physics
  • Physical Sciences › Physics and Astronomy › Nuclear and High Energy Physics › Noncommutative and Quantum Gravity Theories
  • Physical Sciences › Physics and Astronomy › Astronomy and Astrophysics › Relativity and Gravitational Theory
Keywords
spacetime dimensionality, superstring theory, observer problem, hyperbolicity, temporal dimension, extra dimensions, gravitational force, ensemble theory

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