| Book Name: | Symmetry, structure, and spacetime |
| Category: | Aerospace Engineering |
| Free Download: | Available |
Symmetry, structure, and spacetime
Book Description:
In this book, Rickles considers several interpretative difficulties raised by gauge-type symmetries (which correspond to no change in physical state). The ubiquity of such symmetries in modern physics makes them an urgent topic in the philosophy of physics. Rickles focuses on spacetime physics, in particular classical and quantum general relativity. Here the problems posed are at their most pathological, involving the apparent disappearance of spacetime! Rickles argues that a structuralist account should replace both traditional ontological positions according to which relational structure is what physics is about. Unified treatment of gauge symmetries and their relationship to ontology in physics; brings the philosophy of space and time into step with developments in modern physics; argues against the received view on the implications of symmetries in physics. Primary treatments for technical issues are provided. Illustrates a novel defense of structuralism.
Symmetry, structure, and spacetime
Author(s): Dean Rickles (Eds.)
Series: Philosophy and foundations of physics 3
Publisher: Elsevier, Year: 2008
ISBN: 9780444531162
