Through the Singularities: A Philosophical Study of Singularity Resolution in Loop Quantum Gravity

Despite a vast and growing literature in physics, the nature and fate of spacetime singularities are underexplored in the philosophy of physics. This dissertation has three main objectives. First, it seeks to clarify the concept of singularity resolution by identifying and discussing the different aspects through which it should be specified, especially in the context of loop quantum gravity (LQG). In particular, a conceptual framework is developed to assess attempts to resolve spacetime singularities in LQG. Second, this research aims at providing a detailed philosophical analysis of singularity resolution in LQG. This is done by both examining case studies and discussing the prospects for resolving types of singularities that are not directly replaced by LQG. Third, this thesis highlights and explores some interesting philosophical consequences of singularity resolution. This investigation refines and advances some long-standing issues in philosophy of physics, such as those concerning the physical status of singularities.