Space-time as a causal set
Abstract
We propose that space-time at the smallest scales is in reality a causal set: a locally finite set of elements endowed with a partial order corresponding to the macroscopic relation that defines past and future. We explore how a Lorentzian manifold can approximate a causal set, noting in particular that the thereby defined effective dimensionality of a given causal set can vary with length scale. Finally, we speculate briefly on the quantum dynamics of causal sets, indicating why an appropriate choice of action can reproduce general relativity in the classical limit.
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“ly of the type of discreteness embodied in the causal set. Features of causet theory needed in the following In order to explain this claim, I will need to review some basic aspects of causet theory. [5] According to the causal set hypothesis, the smooth manifold of general relativity dissolves, near the Planck scale,…”
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- Authors
- Bombelli, L., Lee, J., Meyer, D., & Sorkin, R. D.
- Affiliations
- Institute for Advanced Study (US)
- Venue
- Physical Review Letters
- Publisher
- American Physical Society (APS)
- Published
- 1987-08-03
- Volume
- 59
- Issue
- 5
- Pages
- 521-524
- ISSN
- 0031-9007 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2077470755
- Cited by
- 1,012
- References
- 0
- Citations by year
- 2026: 66 · 2025: 77 · 2024: 43 · 2023: 48 · 2022: 36 · 2021: 44 · 2020: 47 · 2019: 43 · 2018: 35 · 2017: 35 · 2016: 49 · 2015: 41 · 2014: 42 · 2013: 36 · 2012: 28
- FWCI
- 4.09
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Physical Review Letters (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Syracuse University Libraries (Syracuse University) (submittedVersion)
- PhDT
- General Relativity and Gravitation
- Topics
- Physical Sciences › Physics and Astronomy › Statistical and Nonlinear Physics › Noncommutative and Quantum Gravity Theories
- Physical Sciences › Physics and Astronomy › Astronomy and Astrophysics › Relativity and Gravitational Theory
- Physical Sciences › Physics and Astronomy › Nuclear and High Energy Physics › Black Holes and Theoretical Physics
- Keywords
- causal sets, discrete spacetime, partially ordered sets, effective dimension, quantum gravity, classical limit, general relativity
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