Re-evaluating Space-Time

Abstract

Special relativity inspired a fundamental shift in our picture of reality, from a spatial state evolving in time to a static block universe. We will highlight some conceptual issues raised by the block universe viewpoint, particularly concerning its complexity, causality, and connection to quantum theory. In light of these issues, and inspired by recent results showing that relativity can emerge naturally in discrete space-time dynamics, we will explore whether the evolving state picture might be more natural after all.