PhilSci Archive

Against Fields

Lazarovici, Dustin (2016) Against Fields. [Preprint]

WarningThere is a more recent version of this item available.
[img]
Preview
Text
Against Fields DL.pdf

Download (1MB) | Preview

Abstract

Using the example of classical electrodynamics, I argue that the concept of fields as mediators of particle interactions is fundamentally flawed and reflects a misguided attempt to retrieve Newtonian concepts in relativistic theories. This leads to various physical and metaphysical problems that are discussed in detail. In particular, I emphasize that physics has not found a
satisfying solution to the self-interaction problem in the context of the classical field theory. To demonstrate the superiority of a pure particle ontology, I defend the direct interaction theory of Wheeler and Feynman against recent criticism and argue that it provides the most cogent formulation of classical electrodynamics.


Export/Citation: EndNote | BibTeX | Dublin Core | ASCII/Text Citation (Chicago) | HTML Citation | OpenURL
Social Networking:
Share |

Item Type: Preprint
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Lazarovici, Dustindustin.lazarovici@unil.ch
Keywords: Relativity, Electrodynamics, Field Theory, Primitive Ontology, Wheeler-Feynman Theory, Self-Interaction,
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics > Classical Physics
Specific Sciences > Physics > Fields and Particles
Specific Sciences > Physics > Relativity Theory
Depositing User: Dr. Dustin Lazarovici
Date Deposited: 28 Feb 2017 13:51
Last Modified: 28 Feb 2017 13:51
Item ID: 12862
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics > Classical Physics
Specific Sciences > Physics > Fields and Particles
Specific Sciences > Physics > Relativity Theory
Date: 2016
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/12862

Available Versions of this Item

Monthly Views for the past 3 years

Monthly Downloads for the past 3 years

Plum Analytics

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item