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Symmetry and Equivalence

Belot, Gordon (2011) Symmetry and Equivalence. In: [2010] Philosophy of Science Assoc. 22nd Biennial Mtg (Montréal, QC) > PSA 2010 Contributed Papers.

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    Abstract

    This paper is concerned with the relation between two notions: that of two solutions or models of a theory being related by a symmetry of the theory and that of solutions or models being physically equivalent (in the sense of being equally well- or ill-suited to represent any given situation, relative to any reasonable interpretation). A number of authors have recently discussed this relation, some taking an optimistic view, on which there is a suitable concept of the symmetry of a theory relative to which these two notions coincide, others taking a pessimistic view, on which there is no such concept. The present paper arrives at a cautiously pessimistic conclusion.

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    Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item (UNSPECIFIED)
    Keywords: Symmetry, equivalence, Lie, Noether
    Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics > Classical Physics
    General Issues > Structure of Theories
    Specific Sciences > Physics > Symmetries/Invariances
    Conferences and Volumes: [2010] Philosophy of Science Assoc. 22nd Biennial Mtg (Montréal, QC) > PSA 2010 Contributed Papers
    Depositing User: Gordon Belot
    Date Deposited: 10 Aug 2012 10:07
    Last Modified: 10 Aug 2012 10:07
    Item ID: 9275
    URI: http://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/9275

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