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On the Fundamentality of Symmetries

McKenzie, Kerry (2013) On the Fundamentality of Symmetries. In: [2012] Philosophy of Science Assoc. 23rd Biennial Mtg (San Diego, CA) > PSA 2012 Symposia.

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    Abstract

    The view that it is symmetries, not particles, that are fundamental to nature is frequently expressed by physicists. But comparatively little has been written either on what this claim means or whether it should be regarded as true. After placing the claim into a general fundamentality framework, I consider whether the priority of symmetries over particles can be defended. The conclusions drawn are largely negative.

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    Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item (UNSPECIFIED)
    Keywords: particle physics, symmetries, fundamentality
    Subjects: General Issues > Reductionism/Holism
    Specific Sciences > Physics > Symmetries/Invariances
    Conferences and Volumes: [2012] Philosophy of Science Assoc. 23rd Biennial Mtg (San Diego, CA) > PSA 2012 Symposia
    Depositing User: Miss Kerry McKenzie
    Date Deposited: 20 Jun 2013 11:35
    Last Modified: 20 Jun 2013 11:35
    Item ID: 9843
    URI: http://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/9843

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