Causally symmetric spacetimes are spacetimes with J+(S) isometric to J−(S) for some set S. We discuss certain properties of these spacetimes, showing for example that if S is a maximal Cauchy surface with matter everywhere on S, then the spacetime has singularities in both J+(S) and J−(S). We also consider totally vicious spacetimes, a class of causally symmetric spacetimes for which I+(p) =I−(p) =M for any point p in M. Two different notions of stability in general relativity are discussed, using various types of causally symmetric spacetimes as starting points for perturbations.
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It should be mentioned, however, that at present the experimental evidence is against closure. See
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© 1977 American Institute of Physics.
1977
American Institute of Physics
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