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Series:   Elements in the Philosophy of Physics

Structure and Equivalence

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 February 2022

Neil Dewar
Neil Dewar
Affiliation:
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munchen

Summary

This Element explores what it means for two theories in physics to be equivalent (or inequivalent), and what lessons can be drawn about their structure as a result. It does so through a twofold approach. On the one hand, it provides a synoptic overview of the logical tools that have been employed in recent philosophy of physics to explore these topics: definition, translation, Ramsey sentences, and category theory. On the other, it provides a detailed case study of how these ideas may be applied to understand the dynamical and spatiotemporal structure of Newtonian mechanics - in particular, in light of the symmetries of Newtonian theory. In so doing, it brings together a great deal of exciting recent work in the literature, and is sure to be a valuable companion for all those interested in these topics.
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Keywords

structureequivalencephysicslogicsymmetries
Type
Element
Information
Series: Elements in the Philosophy of Physics
Online ISBN: 9781108914581
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication: 17 March 2022

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Structure and Equivalence
  • Neil Dewar, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munchen
  • Online ISBN: 9781108914581
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Structure and Equivalence
  • Neil Dewar, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munchen
  • Online ISBN: 9781108914581
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Structure and Equivalence
  • Neil Dewar, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munchen
  • Online ISBN: 9781108914581
Available formats
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