Zeng, Xiaozhou: Three Dimensions of Categorical Priority: SDT vs Loop Quantum Gravity, Causal Set Theory, and String Theory in Spacetime Emergence

This paper advances three substantive dimensions of categorical priority on which Structural Determination Theory (SDT) is more foundational than the three principal research programs in spacetime emergence: loop quantum gravity (LQG), causal set theory (CST), and string theory. First, on background independence: SDT is the unique program among LQG, CST, and string theory whose meta-level commits to no spacetime-related structural assumption; CST presupposes spacetime causal structure at the axi