Johan Gamper. (2024). [Commentary] On a Loophole in Quantum Gravity. Qeios. doi:10.32388/RM0TK5.4.
Abstract
I show that general relativity and quantum mechanics, broadly construed, are consistent in relation to the singularities inside of black holes, if the singularities inside of black holes are interfaces.
Keywords:
Philosophy of science,
Quantum gravity philosophy,
Metaphysics of space-time,
Philosophical foundations of physics,
Causal closure.
1. Introduction
Say that if black holes have no extension in space time they cannot be accounted for by quantum mechanics if quantum mechanics only is meaningful for events at least of the Planck length. Also, say that this would imply that general relativity is inconsistent with quantum mechanics. I will show that this inconsistency is dependent upon a premise that can be questioned.
2. Loophole causal closure
Loophole causal closure (Gamper, 2017) predicts that the physical universe is preceded by an earlier one (that can be
mathematical). This is made possible by a redefinition of the principle of causal closure. The redefinition makes interfaces between universes consistent with the principle of causal closure why it is ontologically meaningful to consider the possibility of a multiverse.
3. Loophole Quantum Gravity
The premise referred to in the Introduction is that a black hole is situated in the physical universe. If there is only one universe and that universe is physical, of course the black hole is in the physical universe. If we consider, however, that there might be more than one universe and that loophole causal closure is true, we admit that there can be interfaces. According to this view, black holes can be viewed as interfaces.
This scenario can be unpacked as follows. Let us define the black hole predicament as the situation where the black hole is mathematical to its nature. Then we cannot explain how it has the non-mathematical, physical property of having mass. At the same time it has mass why it cannot be mathematical.
One solution is to see the black hole as an interface between the physical universe and the mathematical universe. According to this view the black hole is a dual existence, both physical and mathematical.
4. Comment
I have written about this possibility elsewhere. See for instance (2023).
References
Gamper, J. (2017). On a Loophole in Causal Closure. Philosophia 45: 631-636.
Gamper, J. (2023). Mileva — a Dialogue About General Relativity as Regional. Qeios. doi:10.32388/6I9WNV.
Socrates’ diocese 