The problem of interpretation of the concept of space in some of the multiverse hypotheses in contemporary physics

Abstract

This paper examines a number of multiverse hypotheses deriving from certain theories of modern physics, in order to determine the usage they make of the concept of space. The author lays emphasis on scientific explanations of the type first formulated in Early modern period, taking account of ancient sources only to the extent they came to be reconsidered, further developed or denied by subsequent philosophy and science. The interpretations of space in the history of philosophy and science, therefore, are considered from the viewpoint of their interrelation with contemporary physical notions. This connection does actually occur, since leading physical theories in their explanatory part (where available) often make use of categories and meanings formulated by preceding philosophy. This said, physics itself (and still less mathematics) never engages in explaining what space actually is, leaving this task to the philosophy of science. Apart from traditional philosophical sources concerning the problem, the author brings into consideration the ideas expressed by contemporary scientists which influenced, directly or indirectly, the interpretation of the category of space. The names of Steven Weinberg, Edward Witten, Nicolas Gisin, Alan Guth, Juan Maldacena, Leonard Susskind, Stephen Hawking and Gerard 't Hooft deserve here a mention in the first place. The methods used in the present study include cognitive interpretation of formal contents of physical and mathematical theories, comparative analysis of philosophical texts, hermeneutics and phenomenology (in the sense of the analysis of representations). It is argued that the emergence of modern multiverse theories contributes new aspects to the understanding of space. As a result, one can draw conclusions regarding the interpretation of space in present-day philosophy of physics.