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An ab-initio foundation for relativistic spacetime is given, which is a conservative extension of Zermelo’s set theory with urelemente. Primitive entities are worldlines rather than spacetime points. Spacetime points are sets of intersecting worldlines. By the proper axioms, they form a manifold. Entities known in differential geometry, up to a metric, are defined and have the usual properties. A set-realistic point of view is adopted. The intended ontology is a set-theoretical hierarchy with a broad base of the empty set and urelemente. Sets generated from the empty set are mathematically interpreted, all other sets are physically interpreted.

DOI: 10.1007/s11229-013-0345-6

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