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Other literature type . 2026
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Research . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Research . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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No Smooth Shortcut: Why Field Equations Cannot Represent Irreducible Computation

Authors: Chancellor, Shammah;

No Smooth Shortcut: Why Field Equations Cannot Represent Irreducible Computation

Abstract

Continuous field equations—the mathematical backbone of General Relativity, Maxwell electrodynamics, and Quantum Field Theory—operate within mathematical structures that are “tame” in the model-theoretic sense: they cannot define the integers, successor functions, or infinite discrete structure. But von Neumann machines are physical systems that demonstrably perform computations requiring exactly these structures. This creates a forced incompatibility: either field equations are incomplete for physical reality, or the laptop on your desk is not really computing. We formalize this as a minimal axiomatic proof using o-minimality theory and the von Neumann machine as empirical anchor, producing a trilemma: accept incompleteness, deny physical computation, or abandon tameness in favor of discrete mathematical structure. Crucially, a companion proof [1] establishes that the “deny computation” escape route leads to its own impossibility: a timeless block ontology that cannot accommodate the generative structure of consequential truth. Together, the two proofs form a decision tree with no cost-free exits—accepting computational irreducibility forces discrete structure; denying it eliminates becoming, computation, and contingency simultaneously.

Keywords

Infinity in Physics, Generative Processes, Spacetime Ontology, Representational Adequacy, Discrete Time, Foundations of Physics, Computational Irreducibility, Physical Modeling, Continuous Field Theory

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
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