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Invariance, Interpretation, and Motivation

Moller-Nielsen, Thomas (2016) Invariance, Interpretation, and Motivation. In: UNSPECIFIED.

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Abstract

In this paper I assess the 'Invariance Principle', which states that only quantities that are invariant under the symmetries of our theories are physically real. I argue, contrary to current orthodoxy, that the variance of a quantity under a theory's symmetries is not a sufficient basis for interpreting that theory as being uncommitted to the reality of that quantity. Rather, I argue, the variance of a quantity under symmetries only ever serves as a motivation to refrain from any commitment to the quantity in question. In the process of this discussion, I address the related but importantly distinct issue of when symmetries can be said to prompt a mathematical reformulation of the relevant theory.


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Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item (UNSPECIFIED)
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Moller-Nielsen, Thomasthomas.moller-nielsen@balliol.ox.ac.uk
Keywords: Symmetry, Invariance, Interpretation
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics > Symmetries/Invariances
Depositing User: Mr Thomas Moller-Nielsen
Date Deposited: 02 Aug 2016 17:58
Last Modified: 02 Aug 2016 17:58
Item ID: 12332
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics > Symmetries/Invariances
Date: 31 July 2016
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/12332

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