Geometrical Constructivism and Modal Relationalism: Further Aspects of the Dynamical/Geometrical Debate

Abstract

I draw together some recent literature on the debate between dynamical versus geometrical approaches to spacetime theories, in order to argue that (i) there exist defensible versions of the geometrical approach; (ii) these versions of the geometrical approach can provide constructive explanations (in the sense of Einstein) of dynamical effects; (iii) light can be shed upon different relationalist views about spacetime which have been articulated in the context of this debate by appeal to the distinction between modal versus non-modal relationalism.