Algebraic fields and the dynamical approach to physical geometry

Journal article

Vasudev Menon, Tushar. (2019). Algebraic fields and the dynamical approach to physical geometry. Philosophy of Science. 86(5), pp. 1273-1283. https://doi.org/10.1086/705508
AuthorsVasudev Menon, Tushar
Abstract

Brown and Pooley’s ‘dynamical approach’ to physical theories asserts, in opposition to the orthodox position on physical geometry, that facts about physical geometry are grounded in, or explained by, facts about dynamical fields, not the other way round. John Norton has claimed that the proponent of the dynamical approach is illicitly committed to spatiotemporal presumptions in ‘constructing’ space-time from facts about dynamical symmetries. In this article, I present an abstract, algebraic formulation of field theories and demonstrate that the proponent of the dynamical approach is not committed, in special relativity, to the illicit presumptions to which Norton refers.

Keywordsphysical geometry; John Norton
Year01 Jan 2019
JournalPhilosophy of Science
Journal citation86 (5), pp. 1273-1283
PublisherCambridge University Press
ISSN0031-8248
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1086/705508
Web address (URL)https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/philosophy-of-science/article/algebraic-fields-and-the-dynamical-approach-to-physical-geometry/15D95D77AD595DF3623B0FF4B2B0DE27
Open accessPublished as non-open access
Research or scholarlyResearch
Page range1273-1283
Publisher's version
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All rights reserved
File Access Level
Controlled
Output statusPublished
Publication dates
PrintDec 2019
Publication process dates
AcceptedDec 2019
Deposited26 Aug 2024
Additional information

Copyright © The Philosophy of Science Association, 2019. All rights reserved.

Place of publicationUnited Kingdom
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