Quantum nature of gravity and spacetime: Fundamental insights from the Hoyle

Physics > History and Philosophy of Physics
[Submitted on 22 Jul 2026]
Title:Quantum nature of gravity and spacetime: Fundamental insights from the Hoyle-Narlikar theory
View PDF HTML (experimental)Abstract:The Hoyle-Narlikar action-at-a-distance formulation for gravity remains one of the most mathematically rigorous attempts to incorporate Mach principle into physics. A lesser known, but no less significant, is the fact that it is also one of the first in which two point functions play a key role in determining spacetime structure, and hence, are more fundamental than the metric. We argue that these ingredients have direct relevance for modern attempts to understand fundamental, emergent, and informational aspects of quantum spacetime. The non-local description of quantum spacetime, with Planck scale $\ell_0$ as a zero-point length, provides a mechanism through which the entire universe can inform local causal structure, `a la Mach, Hoyle, and Narlikar. In this chapter, we highlight certain key aspects of the HN theory and then discuss case studies from modern research that illustrate how the quantum spacetime might realize a version of the quantum gravitational Mach principle.
Submission history
From: Dawood Kothawala Dr. [view email][v1] Wed, 22 Jul 2026 07:14:17 UTC (865 KB)
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Facts Only

* The Hoyle-Narlikar action-at-a-distance formulation is proposed for gravity.
* It attempts to incorporate the Mach principle into physics.
* Two point functions play a key role in determining spacetime structure.
* These point functions are suggested to be more fundamental than the metric.
* The non-local description of quantum spacetime uses Planck scale $\ell0$ as a zero-point length.
* This non-local description provides a mechanism for the universe to inform local causal structure, referencing Mach, Hoyle, and Narlikar.
* The chapter discusses aspects of HN theory and case studies on quantum spacetime.

Executive Summary

The Hoyle-Narlikar theory offers an action-at-a-distance formulation for gravity that incorporates the Mach principle into physics. This theory is noted for involving two point functions in determining spacetime structure, suggesting they may be more fundamental than the metric. The argument posits that these ingredients are relevant to modern investigations of quantum spacetime, particularly regarding fundamental, emergent, and informational aspects. The non-local description of quantum spacetime, using Planck scale $\ell0$ as a zero-point length, is presented as a mechanism allowing the universe to inform local causal structure, drawing parallels to Mach, Hoyle, and Narlikar. The chapter highlights key aspects of the HN theory and discusses case studies illustrating how quantum spacetime might realize a quantum gravitational Mach principle.

Full Take

The central theme weaves together classical philosophical concepts—the Mach principle—with modern theoretical physics, specifically concerning the nature of spacetime. The move from a metric-based description to one where point functions are foundational challenges established geometric reductionism. The implication that quantum spacetime might possess an inherent non-locality, defined by a Planck scale zero-point length, suggests a fundamental informational substrate governing physical reality. This connection proposes a bridge between large-scale cosmological principles and the Planck scale granularity of quantum theory. The framework seeks to reinterpret gravity not purely as a geometric property derived from spacetime, but as an emergent phenomenon rooted in relational information transfer. A key implication is whether current models adequately account for Machian constraints when incorporating quantum information flow across scales. What assumptions about locality versus holism underpin the acceptance of non-local descriptions in this context? Does framing spacetime structure through point functions represent a necessary revision of the metric approach, or is it an extension within existing frameworks?

Sentinel — Human

Confidence

This appears to be an excerpt from a formal academic submission, characterized by highly specific theoretical arguments and technical references, suggesting human authorship within an expert domain.

Signals Detected

Varied sentence structure; academic but direct tone.

Focused argument linking specific, niche theories (Hoyle-Narlikar) to modern concepts (quantum spacetime).

Clear structure suggesting an academic paper or detailed proposal.

Human Indicators

The text exhibits the specific, dense argumentation and specialized terminology typical of a direct scholarly submission rather than general AI summarization.