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Against Fields

Lazarovici, Dustin (2017) Against Fields. [Preprint]

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Abstract

Using the example of classical electrodynamics, I argue that the concept of fields as mediators of particle interactions is fundamentally flawed and reflects a misguided attempt to retrieve Newtonian concepts in relativistic theories. This leads to various physical and metaphysical problems that are discussed in detail. In particular, I emphasize that physics has not found a satisfying solution to the self-interaction problem in the context of the classical field theory. To demonstrate the superiority of a pure particle ontology, I defend the direct interaction theory of Wheeler and Feynman against recent criticism and argue that it provides the most cogent formulation of classical electrodynamics.


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Item Type: Preprint
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Lazarovici, Dustindustin.lazarovici@unil.ch
Keywords: Relativity, Electrodynamics, Field Theory, Primitive Ontology, Wheeler-Feynman Theory, Self-Interaction,
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics > Classical Physics
Specific Sciences > Physics > Fields and Particles
Specific Sciences > Physics > Relativity Theory
Depositing User: Dr. Dustin Lazarovici
Date Deposited: 04 Sep 2018 23:46
Last Modified: 04 Sep 2018 23:46
Item ID: 15003
Official URL: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13194-0...
DOI or Unique Handle: 10.1007/s13194-017-0179-z
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics > Classical Physics
Specific Sciences > Physics > Fields and Particles
Specific Sciences > Physics > Relativity Theory
Date: 3 July 2017
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/15003

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