Bradley, Clara (2019) The Non-Equivalence of Einstein and Lorentz. The British Journal for the Philosophy of Science. ISSN 1464-3537
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Abstract
In this paper, I give a counterexample to a claim made in Norton (2008) that empirically equivalent theories can often be regarded as theoretically equivalent by treating one as having surplus structure, thereby overcoming the problem of underdetermination of theory choice. The case I present is that of Lorentz's ether theory and Einstein's theory of special relativity. I argue that Norton's suggestion that surplus structure is present in Lorentz's theory in the form of the ether state of rest is based on a misunderstanding of the role that the ether plays in Lorentz's theory, and that in general, consideration of the conceptual framework in which a theory is embedded is vital to understanding the relationship between different theories.
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| Item Type: | Published Article or Volume | ||||||
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| Keywords: | underdetermination, theoretical equivalence, surplus structure, Lorentz, Einstein | ||||||
| Subjects: | Specific Sciences > Physics > Relativity Theory General Issues > Structure of Theories Specific Sciences > Physics > Symmetries/Invariances |
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| Depositing User: | Ms Clara Bradley | ||||||
| Date Deposited: | 01 Apr 2019 15:37 | ||||||
| Last Modified: | 01 Apr 2019 15:37 | ||||||
| Item ID: | 15866 | ||||||
| Journal or Publication Title: | The British Journal for the Philosophy of Science | ||||||
| DOI or Unique Handle: | 10.1093/bjps/axz014 | ||||||
| Subjects: | Specific Sciences > Physics > Relativity Theory General Issues > Structure of Theories Specific Sciences > Physics > Symmetries/Invariances |
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| Date: | 2019 | ||||||
| ISSN: | 1464-3537 | ||||||
| URI: | https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/15866 |
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The Non-Equivalence of Einstein and Lorentz. (deposited 20 Oct 2018 15:16)
- The Non-Equivalence of Einstein and Lorentz. (deposited 01 Apr 2019 15:37) [Currently Displayed]
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