Acuña, Pablo (2013) On the Empirical Equivalence Between Special Relativity and Lorentz's Ether Theory. [Preprint]

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Abstract

In this paper I argue that the case of Einstein’s special relativity vs. Hendrik Lorentz’s ether theory can be decided in terms of empirical evidence, in spite of the predictive equivalence between the theories. In the historical and philosophical literature this case has been typically addressed focusing on non-empirical features (non-empirical virtues in special relativity and/or non-empirical flaws in the ether theory). I claim that non-empirical features are not enough to provide a fully objective and uniquely determined choice in instances of empirical equivalence. However, I argue that if we consider arguments proposed by Richard Boyd and by Larry Laudan and Jarret Leplin, a choice based on non-consequential empirical evidence favoring Einstein’s theory can be made.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Acuña, Pablo p.t.acunaluongo@uu.nl
Keywords:	relativity; Einstein; Lorentz; empirical equivalence; empirical evidence; non-empirical virtues.
Subjects:	General Issues > History of Science Case Studies Specific Sciences > Physics > Relativity Theory
Depositing User:	Mr. Pablo Acuña
Date Deposited:	10 Jul 2013 05:45
Last Modified:	10 Jul 2013 05:45
Item ID:	9871
Subjects:	General Issues > History of Science Case Studies Specific Sciences > Physics > Relativity Theory
Date:	5 July 2013
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/9871

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• On the Empirical Equivalence Between Special Relativity and Lorentz's Ether Theory. (deposited 06 Jul 2013 16:45)
  • On the Empirical Equivalence Between Special Relativity and Lorentz's Ether Theory. (deposited 10 Jul 2013 05:45) [Currently Displayed]

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