Symmetry, Structure, and Spacetime

Erscheinungsjahr 2007
ISBN: 978-0-444-53116-2
Verlag: Elsevier Science & Technology

Buch, Englisch, 242 Seiten, Format (B × H): 165 mm x 240 mm, Gewicht: 600 g

In this book Rickles considers several interpretative difficulties raised by gauge-type symmetries (those that correspond to no change in physical state). The ubiquity of such symmetries in modern physics renders them an urgent topic in philosophy of physics. Rickles focuses on spacetime physics, and 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 both traditional ontological positions should be replaced by a structuralist account according to which relational structure is what the physics is about.

Zielgruppe

History and Philosophy of Science, Foundations of Physics, Philosophy, Physics

Autoren/Hrsg.

Rickles, Dean

Fachgebiete

• Naturwissenschaften Physik Physik Allgemein Experimentalphysik
• Naturwissenschaften Physik Physik Allgemein Geschichte der Physik
• Naturwissenschaften Physik Physik Allgemein Theoretische Physik, Mathematische Physik, Computerphysik

Inhaltsverzeichnis

1 Interpretation and Formalism2 Space and Time in the Leibniz-Clarke Debate3 The Interpretation of Gauge Symmetries4 Spacetime in General Relativity5 Responding to the Hole Problem6 What is an Observable In General Relativity?7 Time, Change, and Gauge8 Symmetry and Ontology9 Structuralism and Symmetry

Über Autor(innen)

Rickles, Dean
Dean Rickles's main research interests lie in the general area of philosophy of physics, especially quantum gravity. He recently coedited a book on The Structural Foundations of Quantum Gravity (Oxford University Press, 2006) and has a forthcoming edited philosophy of physics textbook: The Ashgate Companion to the New Philosophy of Physics (Ashgate, 2008).