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Symmetry & Possibility: To Reduce or not Reduce?

Rickles, Dean (2004) Symmetry & Possibility: To Reduce or not Reduce? [Preprint]

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Abstract

In this paper I examine the connection between symmetry and modality from the perspective of `reduction' methods in geometric mechanics. I begin by setting the problem up as a choice between two opposing views: reduction and non-reduction. I then discern four views on the matter in the literature; they are distinguished by their advocation of distinct geometric spaces as representing `reality'. I come down in favour of non-reductive methods.


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Item Type: Preprint
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Rickles, Dean
Keywords: Symmetry, reduction, modality, spacetime
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics > Classical Physics
General Issues > Reductionism/Holism
Specific Sciences > Physics > Fields and Particles
Depositing User: Dean Rickles
Date Deposited: 22 Jul 2004
Last Modified: 07 Oct 2010 15:12
Item ID: 1846
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics > Classical Physics
General Issues > Reductionism/Holism
Specific Sciences > Physics > Fields and Particles
Date: July 2004
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/1846

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