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The Dome: An Unexpectedly Simple Failure of Determinism

Norton, John D. (2006) The Dome: An Unexpectedly Simple Failure of Determinism. In: [2006] Philosophy of Science Assoc. 20th Biennial Mtg (Vancouver) > PSA 2006 Symposia.

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    Abstract

    Because of the specific shape of the dome at its apex, Newton’s equations of motion tell us that a mass at rest at the apex can spontaneously be set into motion. It has been suggested that this indeterminism should be discounted since it draws on an incomplete rendering of Newtonian physics; or it is "unphysical"; or it employs illicit idealizations. I analyze and reject each of these reasons.

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    Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item (UNSPECIFIED)
    Keywords: Determinism Indeterminism Newtonian
    Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics > Classical Physics
    General Issues > Models and Idealization
    General Issues > Causation
    General Issues > Determinism/Indeterminism
    Conferences and Volumes: [2006] Philosophy of Science Assoc. 20th Biennial Mtg (Vancouver) > PSA 2006 Symposia
    Depositing User: John Norton
    Date Deposited: 06 Oct 2006
    Last Modified: 07 Oct 2010 11:14
    Item ID: 2943
    URI: http://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/2943

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