Dark matter = modified gravity? Scrutinising the spacetime–matter distinction through the modified gravity/ dark matter lens
| Autor: | Niels C.M. Martens, Dennis Lehmkuhl |
|---|---|
| Rok vydání: | 2020 |
| Předmět: |
Physics
History Gravity (chemistry) Spacetime 010308 nuclear & particles physics Dark matter General Physics and Astronomy 01 natural sciences Cosmology Superfluidity General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology Theoretical physics Theory of relativity History and Philosophy of Science 0103 physical sciences Quantum field theory 010303 astronomy & astrophysics Scalar field |
| Zdroj: | Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part B: Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics. 72:237-250 |
| ISSN: | 1355-2198 |
| DOI: | 10.1016/j.shpsb.2020.08.003 |
| Popis: | This paper scrutinises the tenability of a strict conceptual distinction between space(time) and matter via the lens of the debate between modified gravity and dark matter. In particular, we consider Berezhiani and Khoury's novel ‘superfluid dark matter theory’ (SFDM) as a case study. Two families of criteria for being matter and being spacetime, respectively, are extracted from the literature. Evaluation of the new scalar field postulated by SFDM according to these criteria reveals that it is as much (dark) matter as anything could possibly be, but also—below the critical temperature for superfluidity—as much (of a modification of) spacetime as anything could possibly be. A sequel paper examines possible interpretations of SFDM in light of this result, as well as the consequences for our understanding of (the importance of) the modified gravity/dark matter distinction and the broader spacetime–matter distinction. |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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