2024-03-29T02:24:18Z
http:///cgi/oai2
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:63
2010-10-07T15:20:10Z
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:70
2010-10-07T15:09:58Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:636C6173736963616C2D70687973696373
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:6669656C64732D616E642D7061727469636C6573
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/70/
Gauge Matters
Earman, John
Classical Physics
Fields and Particles
Relativity Theory
The constrained Hamiltonian formalism is recommended as a means for getting a grip on the concepts of gauge and gauge transformation. This formalism makes it clear how the gauge concept is relevant to understanding Newtonian and classical relativistic theories as well as the theories of elementary particle physics; it provides an explication of the vague notions of "local" and "global" gauge transformations; it explains how and why a fibre bundle structure emerges for theories which do not wear their bundle structure on their sleeves; it illuminates the connections of the gauge concept to issues of determinism and what counts as a genuine "observable"; and it calls attention to problems which arise in attempting to quantize gauge theories. Some of the limitations and problematic aspects of the formalism are also discussed.
2001-01
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/70/1/RevPSAShort.pdf
Earman, John (2001) Gauge Matters. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:99
2010-10-07T15:10:01Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:7175616E74756D2D6669656C642D7468656F7279
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/99/
Black Hole Remnants and Classical vs. Quantum Gravity
Bokulich, Peter
Quantum Field Theory
Relativity Theory
Belot, Earman, and Ruetsche (1999) dismiss the black hole remnant proposal as an inadequate response to the Hawking information loss paradox. I argue that their criticisms are misplaced and that, properly understood, remnants do offer a substantial reply to the argument against the possibility of unitary evolution in spacetimes that contain evaporating black holes. The key to understanding these proposals lies in recognizing that the question of where and how our current theories break down is at the heart of these debates in quantum gravity. I also argue that the controversial nature of assessing the limits of general relativity and quantum field theory illustrates the significance of attempts to establish the proper borders of our effective theories.
2001-01
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/99/1/BHrem_QG.pdf
Bokulich, Peter (2001) Black Hole Remnants and Classical vs. Quantum Gravity. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:101
2010-10-07T15:10:01Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/101/
A No-Go Theorem About Rotation in Relativity Theory
Malament, David B.
Relativity Theory
Within the framework of general relativity, in some cases at least, it is a delicate and interesting question just what it means to say that an extended body is or is not "rotating". It is so for two reasons. First, one can easily think of different criteria of rotation. Though they agree if the background spacetime structure is sufficiently simple, they do not do so in general. Second, none of the criteria fully answers to our classical intuitions. Each one exhibits some feature or other that violates those intuitions in a significant and interesting way. The principal goal of the paper is to make the second claim precise in the form of a modest no-go theorem.
2000-11
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/101/1/RotationNoGo.pdf
Malament, David B. (2000) A No-Go Theorem About Rotation in Relativity Theory. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:104
2010-10-07T15:10:01Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:7175616E74756D2D6D656368616E696373
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/104/
The End of Time?
Butterfield, Jeremy
Quantum Mechanics
Relativity Theory
I discuss Julian Barbour's Machian theories of dynamics, and his proposal that a Machian perspective enables one to solve the problem of time in quantum geometrodynamics (by saying that there is no time!). I concentrate on his recent book, The End of Time (1999). A shortened version will appear in The British Journal for Philosophy of Science}.
2001-01
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
application/postscript
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/104/1/BARBOURREVFINALLONG.PS
Butterfield, Jeremy (2001) The End of Time? [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:109
2010-10-07T15:20:11Z
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:117
2010-10-07T15:10:02Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/117/
On Relative Orbital Rotation in Relativity Theory
Malament, David B.
Relativity Theory
We consider the following question within both Newtonian physics and relativity theory. "Given two point particles X and Y, if Y is rotating relative to X, does it follow that X is rotating relative to Y?" As it stands the question is ambiguous. We discuss one way to make it precise and show that, on that reading at least, the answers given by the two theories are radically different. The relation of relative orbital rotation turns out to be symmetric in Newtonian physics, but not in relativity theory.
1999-06
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/117/1/RelOrbitalRotation.pdf
Malament, David B. (1999) On Relative Orbital Rotation in Relativity Theory. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:125
2010-10-07T15:10:02Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/125/
Definition, Convention, and Simultaneity: Malament's Result and Its Alleged Refutation by Sarkar and Stachel
Rynasiewicz, Robert
Relativity Theory
The question whether distant simultaneity (relativized to an inertial frame) has a factual or a conventional status in special relativity has long been disputed and remains in contention even today. At one point it appeared that Malament (1977) had settled the issue by proving that the only non-trivial equivalence relation definable from (temporally symmetric) causal connectability is the standard simultaneity relation. Recently, though, Sarkar and Stachel (1999) claim to have identified a suspect assumption in the proof by defining a non-standard simultaneity relation from causal connectability. I contend that their critique is based on a misunderstanding of the criteria for the definability of a relation, a misunderstanding that Malement's original treatment helped to foster. There are in fact a variety of notions of definability that can be brought to bear. They all, however, require a condition that suffices to secure Malament's result. The non-standard relation Sarkar and Stachel claim to be definable is not so definable, and, I argue, their proposal to modify the notion of ``causal definability'' is misguided. Finally, I address the relevance of Malament's result to the thesis of conventionalism.
2000-03
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/125/1/psa00.pdf
Rynasiewicz, Robert (2000) Definition, Convention, and Simultaneity: Malament's Result and Its Alleged Refutation by Sarkar and Stachel. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:138
2015-09-13T14:49:10Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/138/
What Can We Learn about the Ontology of Space and Time from the Theory of Relativity?
Norton, John D.
Relativity Theory
In the exuberance that followed Einstein's discoveries, philosophers at one time or another have proposed that his theories support virtually every conceivable moral in ontology. I present an opinionated assessment, designed to avoid this overabundance. We learn from Einstein's theories of novel entanglements of categories once held distinct: space with time; space and time with matter; and space and time with causality. We do not learn that all is relative, that time in the fourth dimension in any non-trivial sense, that coordinate systems and even geometry are conventional or that spacetime should be reduced ontologically to causal, spatio-temporal or other relations.
2000
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
doc
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/138/1/norton.rtf
application/postscript
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/138/2/norton.ps
Norton, John D. (2000) What Can We Learn about the Ontology of Space and Time from the Theory of Relativity? [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:150
2015-09-13T14:50:11Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/150/
ON BECOMING, COSMIC TIME AND ROTATING UNIVERSES
Dorato, Mauro
Relativity Theory
In the literature on the compatibility between the time of our experience and the time of physics, the special theory of relativity has enjoyed central stage. By bringing into the discussion the general theory of relativity, I suggest a new analysis of the misunderstood notion of becoming, developed from hints in Gödel's published and unpublished arguments for the ideality of time. I claim that recent endorsements of such arguments, based on Gödel's own rotating solution to Einstein's field equation, fail: once understood in the right way, becoming can be shown to be both mind-independent and compatible with spacetime physics. Being a needed tertium quid between views of time traditionally regarded as in conflict, such a new approach to becoming should also help to dissolve a crucial aspect of the century-old debate between the so-called A and B theories of time.
2001-02
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/150/1/becoming.pdf
Dorato, Mauro (2001) ON BECOMING, COSMIC TIME AND ROTATING UNIVERSES. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:153
2010-10-07T15:10:06Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:636F736D6F6C6F6779
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:6669656C64732D616E642D7061727469636C6573
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:7175616E74756D2D6669656C642D7468656F7279
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:7175616E74756D2D6D656368616E696373
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/153/
The present moment in quantum cosmology: Challenges to the arguments for the elimination of time
Smolin, Lee
Cosmology
Fields and Particles
Quantum Field Theory
Quantum Mechanics
Relativity Theory
Barbour, Hawking, Misner and others have argued that time cannot play an essential role in the formulation of a quantum theory of cosmology. Here we present three challenges to their arguments, taken from works and remarks by Kauffman, Markopoulou and Newman. These can be seen to be based on two principles: that every observable in a theory of cosmology should be measurable by some observer inside the universe, and all mathematical constructions necessary to the formulation of the theory should be realizable in a finite time by a computer that fits inside the universe. We also briefly discuss how a cosmological theory could be formulated so it is in agreement with these principles.
2000-10
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/153/1/present2.pdf
Smolin, Lee (2000) The present moment in quantum cosmology: Challenges to the arguments for the elimination of time. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:170
2010-10-07T15:20:13Z
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:176
2010-10-07T15:20:13Z
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:197
2010-10-07T15:10:09Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:6669656C64732D616E642D7061727469636C6573
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:7175616E74756D2D6669656C642D7468656F7279
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:7175616E74756D2D6D656368616E696373
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/197/
On the Nature of Measurement Records in Relativistic Quantum Field Theory
Barrett, Jeffrey A.
Fields and Particles
Quantum Field Theory
Quantum Mechanics
Relativity Theory
A resolution of the quantum measurement problem would require one to explain how it is that we end up with determinate records at the end of our measurements. Metaphysical commitments typically do real work in such an explanation. Indeed, one should not be satisfied with one's metaphysical commitments unless one can provide some account of determinate measurement records. I will explain some of the problems in getting determinate records in relativistic quantum field theory and pay particular attention to the relationship between the measurement problem and a generalized version of Malament's theorem.
2000-08
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
tex-latex
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/197/1/precords.tex
Barrett, Jeffrey A. (2000) On the Nature of Measurement Records in Relativistic Quantum Field Theory. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:208
2010-10-07T15:10:10Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:7175616E74756D2D6D656368616E696373
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/208/
Worlds in the Everett Interpretation
Wallace, David
Quantum Mechanics
Relativity Theory
This is a discussion of how we can understand the world-view given to us by the Everett interpretation of quantum mechanics, and in particular the role played by the concept of `world'. The view presented is that we are entitled to use `many-worlds' terminology even if the theory does not specify the worlds in the formalism; this is defended by means of an extensive analogy with the concept of an `instant' or moment of time in relativity, with the lack of a preferred foliation of spacetime being compared with the lack of a preferred basis in quantum theory. Implications for identity of worlds over time, and for relativistic quantum mechanics, are discussed.
2001-03
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
application/postscript
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/208/1/evnew.ps
Wallace, David (2001) Worlds in the Everett Interpretation. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:213
2010-10-07T15:10:11Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:7175616E74756D2D6669656C642D7468656F7279
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:7175616E74756D2D6D656368616E696373
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/213/
Physics Meets Philosophy at the Planck Scale
callender, craig
huggett, nicholas
Quantum Field Theory
Quantum Mechanics
Relativity Theory
This is the table of contents and first chapter of Physics Meets Philosophy at the Planck Scale (Cambridge University Press, 2001), edited by Craig Callender and Nick Huggett. The chapter discusses the question of why there should be a theory of quantum gravity. We tackle arguments that purport to show that the gravitational field *must* be quantized. We then introduce various programs in quantum gravity and discuss areas where quantum gravity and philosophy seem to have something to say to each other.
2001-02
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/213/1/TOCandChapter1.PDF
callender, craig and huggett, nicholas (2001) Physics Meets Philosophy at the Planck Scale. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:218
2010-10-07T15:10:12Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
7375626A656374733D67656E:686973746F72792D6F662D736369656E63652D636173652D73747564696573
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/218/
The origins of length contraction: I. The FitzGerald-Lorentz deformation
Brown, Harvey R
Relativity Theory
History of Science Case Studies
One of the widespread confusions concerning the history of the 1887 Michelson-Morley experiment has to do with the initial explanation of this celebrated null result due independently to FitzGerald and Lorentz. In neither case was a strict, longitudinal length contraction hypothesis invoked, as is commonly supposed. Lorentz postulated, particularly in 1895, any one of a certain family of possible deformation effects for rigid bodies in motion, including purely transverse alteration, and expansion as well as contraction; FitzGerald may well have had the same family in mind. A careful analysis of the Michelson-Morley experiment (which reveals a number of serious inadequacies in many text-book treatments) indeed shows that strict contraction is not required
2001-04
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/218/1/Origins_of_contraction.pdf
Brown, Harvey R (2001) The origins of length contraction: I. The FitzGerald-Lorentz deformation. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:221
2010-10-07T15:10:12Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/221/
Relationism Rehabilitated? II: Relativity
Pooley, Oliver
Relativity Theory
In a companion paper (Pooley & Brown 2001) it is argued that Julian Barbour's Machian approach to dynamics provides a genuinely relational interpretation of Newtonian dynamics and that it is more explanatory than the conventional, substantival interpretation. In this paper the extension of the approach to relativistic physics is considered. General relativity, it turns out, can be reinterpreted as a perfectly Machian theory. However, there are difficulties with viewing the Machian interpretation as more fundamental than the conventional, spacetime interpretation. Moreover, this state of affairs provides little solace for the relationist for, even when interpreted along Machian lines, general relativity is a substantival theory although the basic entity is space, not spacetime.
2001-03
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/221/1/rehab2ps.pdf
Pooley, Oliver (2001) Relationism Rehabilitated? II: Relativity. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:225
2010-10-07T15:10:13Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/225/
What Can We Learn About the Ontology of Space and Time from the Theory of Relativity? A Synopsis
Norton, John D.
Relativity Theory
This paper supplies a synopsis of a longer paper "What Can We Learn About the Ontology of Space and Time from the Theory of Relativity?" Candidate morals must satisfy four requirements: novelty, modesty, realism and robustness. The surviving morals express entanglements of space and time; of spacetime and matter; and of spacetime and causation. Many popular morals do not survive.
2001-04
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
rtf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/225/1/Norton.rtf
Norton, John D. (2001) What Can We Learn About the Ontology of Space and Time from the Theory of Relativity? A Synopsis. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:248
2010-10-07T15:10:14Z
7374617475733D707562
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:636C6173736963616C2D70687973696373
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:6669656C64732D616E642D7061727469636C6573
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D6F74686572
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/248/
Space-time relationism in Newtonian and relativistic physics
Dieks, Dennis
Classical Physics
Fields and Particles
Relativity Theory
I argue that there is a natural relationist interpretation of Newtonian and relativistic non-quantum physics. Although relationist, this interpretation does not fall prey to the traditional objections based on the existence of inertial effects.
2000-01
Other
PeerReviewed
doc
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/248/1/SPACE.doc
Dieks, Dennis (2000) Space-time relationism in Newtonian and relativistic physics. UNSPECIFIED.
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:274
2010-10-07T15:10:17Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:636F736D6F6C6F6779
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:7175616E74756D2D6669656C642D7468656F7279
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/274/
Cosmology, Particles, and the Unity of Science
Zinkernagel, Henrik
Cosmology
Quantum Field Theory
Relativity Theory
During the last three decades, there has been a growing realization among physicists and cosmologists that the relation between particle physics and cosmology may constitute yet another successful example of the unity of science. However, there are important conceptual problems in the unification of the two disciplines, e.g. in connection with the cosmological constant and the conjecture of inflation. The present article will outline some of these problems, and argue that the victory for the unity of science in the context of cosmology and particle physics is still far from obvious.
2001
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/274/1/unity.pdf
Zinkernagel, Henrik (2001) Cosmology, Particles, and the Unity of Science. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:288
2015-09-13T14:55:31Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:636C6173736963616C2D70687973696373
7375626A656374733D67656E:636F6E6669726D6174696F6E2D696E64756374696F6E
7375626A656374733D67656E:636F6E76656E74696F6E616C69736D
7375626A656374733D67656E:6578706572696D656E746174696F6E
7375626A656374733D67656E:6578706C616E6174696F6E
7375626A656374733D67656E:686973746F72792D6F662D7068696C6F736F7068792D6F662D736369656E6365
7375626A656374733D67656E:686973746F72792D6F662D736369656E63652D636173652D73747564696573
7375626A656374733D67656E:6F7065726174696F6E616C69736D2D696E7374756D656E74616C69736D
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373
7375626A656374733D67656E:7265616C69736D2D616E74692D7265616C69736D
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/288/
The Most Measured Understanding of Spacetime
Catton, Philip
Classical Physics
Confirmation/Induction
Conventionalism
Experimentation
Explanation
History of Philosophy of Science
History of Science Case Studies
Operationalism/Instrumentalism
Physics
Realism/Anti-realism
Relativity Theory
Newton and Einstein each in his way showed us the following: an epistemologically responsible physicist adopts the most measured understanding possible of spacetime structure. The proper way to infer a doctrine of spacetime is by a kind of measuring inference -- a deduction from phenomena. Thus it was (I argue) by an out-and-out deduction from the phenomena of inertiality (as colligated by the three laws of motion) that Newton delineated the conceptual presuppositions concerning spacetime structure that are needed before we can actually think coherently about these phenomena. And Einstein (I argue) very much recapitulated this argument pattern, twice over in fact, recolligating the phenomena first so as to add something from the laws of electromagnetism, and then so as to add everything about gravitation, into what he understood by inertiality. Notably, to deduce one's theoretical conclusions from phenomena is both more cautious and more cogent than to "infer to the best explanation". And in the context of the development of a doctrine of spacetime, deductions from phenomena lay before us formal rather than causal understanding. Deductions from phenomena tell us, in this context, not what things or what causes there are, but rather what our concepts should be like. The more measured the inference is, however, the more definitively it tells us this. For these reasons the most measured understanding of spacetime lies on a line between conventionalism and realism, between relationalism and absolutism, and indeed (as I demonstrate) between empiricism and rationalism. Spacetime is understood as neither merely immanent in material goings-on, nor truly transcendent of them either. In order to explain this understanding as adequately as I can and in order to remark its excellences most fully, I consider some respects in which the tertium quid between metaphysical realism and strict empiricism about spacetime is wise in the sense of practical wisdom. The wisest understanding of spacetime illustrates, I argue, an original and fundamental connection that epistemology has with ethics.
2001-06
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
doc
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/288/1/6MSTMEAS.DOC
Catton, Philip (2001) The Most Measured Understanding of Spacetime. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:292
2010-10-07T15:20:17Z
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:293
2010-10-07T15:10:18Z
7374617475733D756E707562
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D6F74686572
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/293/
Is Simultaneity Conventional Despite Malament's Result?
Rynasiewicz, Robert
Relativity Theory
Many take Malaments result that the standard Einstein simultaniety relation is uniquely definable from the causal structure of Minkowski space-time to be tantamount to a refutation of the claim that criterion for simultaneity in the special theory of relativity (STR) is a matter of convention. I call into question this inference by examining concrete alternatives and suggest that what has been overlooked is why it should be assumed that in STR simultaneity must be relative only to a frame of reference (or an inertial observer) and not to other parameters as well.
2001-05
Other
NonPeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/293/1/text.pdf
Rynasiewicz, Robert (2001) Is Simultaneity Conventional Despite Malament's Result? UNSPECIFIED. (Unpublished)
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:350
2010-10-07T15:10:21Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/350/
Definition, Convention, and Simultaneity: Malament's Result and Its Alleged Refutation by Sarkar and Stachel
Rynasiewicz, Robert
Relativity Theory
The question whether distant simultaneity (relativized to an inertial frame) has a factual or a conventional status in special relativity has long been disputed and remains in contention even today. At one point it appeared that Malament (1977) had settled the issue by proving that the only non-trivial equivalence relation definable from (temporally symmetric) causal connectability is the standard simultaneity relation. Recently, though, Sarkar and Stachel (1999) claim to have identified a suspect assumption in the proof by defining a non-standard simultaneity relation from causal connectability. I contend that their critique is based on a misunderstanding of the criteria for the definability of a relation, a misunderstanding that Malement's original treatment helped to foster. There are in fact a variety of notions of definability that can be brought to bear. They all, however, require a condition that suffices to secure Malament's result. The non-standard relation Sarkar and Stachel claim to be definable is not so definable, and, I argue, their proposal to modify the notion of ``causal definability'' is misguided. Finally, I address the relevance of Malament's result to the thesis of conventionalism.
2000-03
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/350/1/psa00.pdf
Rynasiewicz, Robert (2000) Definition, Convention, and Simultaneity: Malament's Result and Its Alleged Refutation by Sarkar and Stachel. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:364
2010-10-07T15:10:23Z
7374617475733D756E707562
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:6669656C64732D616E642D7061727469636C6573
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:7175616E74756D2D6669656C642D7468656F7279
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D6F74686572
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/364/
Gauge Gravity and the Unification of Natural Forces
Liu, Chuang
Fields and Particles
Physics
Quantum Field Theory
Relativity Theory
Physics seems to tell us that there are four fundamental force-fields in nature: the gravitational, the electromagnetic, the weak, and the strong force-field (or interactions). But it also seems to tell us that gravity cannot possibly be a force-field, in the same sense as the other three are. And yet the search for a grand unification of all four force-fields is today one of the hottest pursuits in it. Is this the result of a simple confusion? This paper aims at clarifying this situation by doing the following: (i) examine the conception of unification of force-fields; (ii) review the gauge-field program in view of the above examination; (iii) review the various attempts at a gauge theory of gravity; and (iv) articulate the nature of 'gauging' and using it to explain the difference between gravity and the other force-fields.
2001-02
Other
NonPeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/364/1/gaugegravity.mass.2.01.pdf
Liu, Chuang (2001) Gauge Gravity and the Unification of Natural Forces. UNSPECIFIED. (Unpublished)
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:366
2010-10-07T15:10:23Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/366/
Uniqueness of Simultaneity
Giulini, Domenico
Relativity Theory
I invesigate the question of existence and uniqueness of simultaneity structures in spacetimes whose automorphism group, Aut, is either the inhomogeneous proper orthochronous Galilei or Lorentz group. An absolute simultaneity structure is defined as Aut-invariant equivalence relation whose equivalence classes are acausal sets. It is unique for Galilean and non-existent for Lorentzian spacetimes. Simultaneity relative to some additional structure X on spacetime is defined analogously, where Aut is now replaced with the stabilizer subgroup of X in Aut. It turns out that Einsteinian simultaneity is unique if X is an inertial frame (foliation by timelike straight lines). Finally I discuss the relation to work of others.
2000-10
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/366/1/simultan.pdf
Giulini, Domenico (2000) Uniqueness of Simultaneity. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:371
2010-10-07T15:10:24Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/371/
An example relevant to the Kretschmann-Einstein debate
Rafael, Sorkin
Relativity Theory
We cast the flat space theory of a scalar field in generally covariant form by introducing an auxiliary field $\lambda$. The resulting theory is couched in terms of an action integral $S$, and all the fields (the scalar, the spacetime metric, and $\lambda$) are dynamical in the sense of being varied freely in $S$. Conservation of energy-momentum emerges as a formal consequence of diffeomorphism invariance, in close analogy with the situation in ordinary general relativity.
2001
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
tex-latex
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/371/1/sorkin.dvi
Rafael, Sorkin (2001) An example relevant to the Kretschmann-Einstein debate. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:380
2010-10-07T15:10:25Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:6669656C64732D616E642D7061727469636C6573
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:7175616E74756D2D6669656C642D7468656F7279
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/380/
General Covariance, Gauge Theories and the Kretschmann Objection.
Norton, John D.
Fields and Particles
Quantum Field Theory
Relativity Theory
How can we reconcile two claims that are now both widely accepted: Kretschmann's claim that a requirement of general covariance is physically vacuous and the standard view that the general covariance of general relativity expresses the physically important diffeomorphism gauge freedom of general relativity? I urge that both claims can be held without contradiction if we attend to the context in which each is made.
2001-08
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/380/1/NortonGCGTKO.pdf
application/postscript
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/380/2/NortonGCGTKO.ps
rtf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/380/3/NortonGCGTKO.rtf
Norton, John D. (2001) General Covariance, Gauge Theories and the Kretschmann Objection. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:381
2010-10-07T15:10:25Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/381/
Einstein's Triumph over the Spacetime Coordinate System:
Norton, John D.
Relativity Theory
Einstein insisted throughout his life that the signal achievement of his general theory of relativity was its general covariance. How are we to reconcile this with the now common view that general covariance merely expresses a definition, our freedom to label events with any set of numbers we like? There is, I believe, a natural reading for Einstein's claims that does make perfect sense. It requires us to adopt a physical interpretation of relativity theory that is now no longer popular, so the natural reading will no longer have intrinsic interest. It will, however, allow us to make sense of Einstein's claims and his program.
2001-08
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
rtf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/381/1/Norton-Torretti.rtf
application/postscript
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/381/2/Norton-Torretti.ps
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/381/3/Norton-Torretti.pdf
Norton, John D. (2001) Einstein's Triumph over the Spacetime Coordinate System:. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:382
2010-10-07T15:10:26Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:7175616E74756D2D6D656368616E696373
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/382/
Recent Conceptual Consequences of Loop Quantum Gravity. Part I: Foundational Aspects.
Zimmermann, Rainer E.
Quantum Mechanics
Relativity Theory
Conceptual consequences of recent results in loop quantum gravity are collected and discussed here in view of their implications for a modern philosophy of science which is mainly understood as one that totalizes scientific insight so as to eventually achieve a consistent model of what may be called fundamental heuristics on an onto-epistemic background which is part of recently proposed transcendental materialism. This enterprise is being understood as a serious attempt of answering recent appeals to philosophy so as to provide a conceptual foundation for what is going on in modern physics, and of bridging the obvious gap between physics and philosophy. This present first part of the paper deals with foundational aspects of this enterprise, a second part will deal with its holistic aspects.
2001-07
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/382/1/rcc1.pdf
Zimmermann, Rainer E. (2001) Recent Conceptual Consequences of Loop Quantum Gravity. Part I: Foundational Aspects. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:383
2010-10-07T15:10:26Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/383/
Recent Conceptual Consequences of Loop Quantum Gravity. Part II: Holistic Aspects.
Zimmermann, Rainer E.
Relativity Theory
Based on the foundational aspects which have been discussed as consequences of ongoing research on loop quantum gravity in the first part of this paper, the holistic aspects of the latter are discussed in this second part, aiming at a consistent and systematic approach to eventually model a hierarchically ordered architecture of the world which is encompassing all of what there actually is. The idea is to clarify the explicit relationship between physics and philosophy on the one hand, and philosophy and the sciences in general, on the other. It is shown that the ontological determination of worldliness is practically identical with its epistemological determination so that the (scientific) activity of modelling and representing the world can be visualized itself as a (worldly) mode of being.
2001-07
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/383/1/rcc2.pdf
Zimmermann, Rainer E. (2001) Recent Conceptual Consequences of Loop Quantum Gravity. Part II: Holistic Aspects. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:384
2010-10-07T15:10:26Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/384/
Recent Conceptual Consequences of Loop Quantum Gravity. Part III: A Postscript On Time.
Zimmermann, Rainer E.
Relativity Theory
With a view to the results discussed in the first two parts of this paper, the concept of time is revisited oncemore and chosen as an example in order to demonstrate the meaning of fundamental in both physical and philosophical terms. It is shown that if arguments are given in favour of or against the concept of time, then their ontological state has to be clarified in the first place.
2001-08
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/384/1/rcc3.pdf
Zimmermann, Rainer E. (2001) Recent Conceptual Consequences of Loop Quantum Gravity. Part III: A Postscript On Time. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:385
2010-10-07T15:10:26Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/385/
Loops and Knots as Topoi of Substance. Spinoza Revisited.
Zimmermann, Rainer E.
Relativity Theory
The relationship between physics and philosophy is being studied utilizing insight provided by a modern interpretation of the philosophy of Spinoza's. The role of science is discussed with a view to recent results concerning the foundational aspects of the world as put forward by the theory of loop quantum gravity.
2000-03
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/385/1/0004077.pdf
Zimmermann, Rainer E. (2000) Loops and Knots as Topoi of Substance. Spinoza Revisited. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:392
2010-10-07T15:20:18Z
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:398
2010-10-07T15:10:28Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:636F736D6F6C6F6779
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:7175616E74756D2D6669656C642D7468656F7279
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/398/
The Quantum Vacuum and the Cosmological Constant Problem
Rugh, Svend E.
Zinkernagel, Henrik
Cosmology
Quantum Field Theory
Relativity Theory
The cosmological constant problem arises at the intersection between general relativity and quantum field theory, and is regarded as a fundamental problem in modern physics. In this paper we describe the historical and conceptual origin of the cosmological constant problem which is intimately connected to the vacuum concept in quantum field theory. We critically discuss how the problem rests on the notion of physically real vacuum energy, and which relations between general relativity and quantum field theory are assumed in order to make the problem well-defined.
2001
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/398/1/cosconstant.pdf
Rugh, Svend E. and Zinkernagel, Henrik (2001) The Quantum Vacuum and the Cosmological Constant Problem. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:407
2010-10-07T15:20:18Z
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:414
2010-10-07T15:10:29Z
7374617475733D707562
7375626A656374733D73706563:70726F626162696C6974792D73746174697374696373
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:737461746973746963616C2D6D656368616E6963732D746865726D6F64796E616D696373
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:7175616E74756D2D6D656368616E696373
74797065733D6F74686572
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/414/
Space-Time and Probability
Saunders, Simon
Probability/Statistics
Relativity Theory
Statistical Mechanics/Thermodynamics
Quantum Mechanics
Special relativity is most naturally formulated as a theory of spacetime geometry, but within the spacetime framework probability appears to be a purely epistemic notion. It is possible that progress can be made with rather different approaches - covariant stochastic equations, in particular - but the results to date are not encouraging. However, it seems a non-epistemic notion of probability can be made out in Minkowski space on Everett's terms. I shall work throughout with the consistent histories formalism. I shall start with a conservative interpretation, and then go on to Everett's
2000
Other
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/414/1/naples.pdf
Saunders, Simon (2000) Space-Time and Probability. UNSPECIFIED.
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:416
2010-10-07T15:20:19Z
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:427
2010-10-07T15:20:20Z
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:441
2010-10-07T15:10:30Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/441/
Conformal Transformations of Space-Time as Vector Bundle Automorphisms
Kryukov, Alexey
Relativity Theory
Conformal group of Minkowski space-time M is considered as a group of bundle automorphisms of a vector bundle U over M. 4-component spin-vectors (4-spinors) are sections of a subbundle of the tangent bundle over U. Isotropic 4-vectors are images of 4-spinors under projection. This leads to a particularly clear interpretation of the spin properties of Nature.
2001-07
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
tex-latex
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/441/1/spin.tex
application/postscript
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/441/2/spin.ps
Kryukov, Alexey (2001) Conformal Transformations of Space-Time as Vector Bundle Automorphisms. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:451
2010-10-07T15:20:20Z
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:463
2010-10-07T15:10:33Z
7374617475733D707562
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:7175616E74756D2D6D656368616E696373
74797065733D6F74686572
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/463/
Time, Quantum Mechanics, and Decoherence
Saunders, Simon
Relativity Theory
Quantum Mechanics
ABSTRACT. A variety of ideas arisi\U{fc}g in decoherence theory, and in the ongoing debate over Everett's relative-state theory, can be linked to issues in relativity theory and the philosophy of time, specifically the relational theory of tense and of identity over time. These have been systematically presented in companion papers (Saunders 1995, 1996a); in what follows we shall consider the same circle of ideas, but specifically in relation to the interpretation of probability, and its identification with relations in the Hilbert space norm. The familiar objection that Everett's approach yields probabilities different from quantum mechanics is easily dealt with. The more fundamental question is how to interpret these probabilities consistent with the relational theory of change, and the relational theory of identity over time. I shall show that the relational theory needs nothing more than the physical, minimal criterion of identity as defined by Everett's theory, and that this can be transparently interpreted in terms of the ordinary notion of the chance occurrence of an event, as witnessed in the present. It is in this sense that the theory has empirical content.
1994
Other
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/463/1/part1.pdf
Saunders, Simon (1994) Time, Quantum Mechanics, and Decoherence. UNSPECIFIED.
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:465
2010-10-07T15:10:33Z
7374617475733D707562
7375626A656374733D73706563:70726F626162696C6974792D73746174697374696373
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:7175616E74756D2D6D656368616E696373
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:737461746973746963616C2D6D656368616E6963732D746865726D6F64796E616D696373
74797065733D6F74686572
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/465/
Time, Quantum Mechanics, and Probability
Saunders, Simon
Probability/Statistics
Quantum Mechanics
Relativity Theory
Statistical Mechanics/Thermodynamics
The Everett interpretation of quantum mechanics has repeatedly been criticized on the grounds that probabilty makes no sense on its terms. These criticisms are considered in detail, and found to be wanting. I conclude that on the contrary the Everett interpretation provides a clear account of probability, and that its most radical feature, that it abandons a 1:1 relationship of identity over time, already has to be dealt with in classical physics.
1997
Other
PeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/465/1/Part3uj%28S%29.pdf
Saunders, Simon (1997) Time, Quantum Mechanics, and Probability. UNSPECIFIED.
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:481
2010-10-07T15:10:35Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:6669656C64732D616E642D7061727469636C6573
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/481/
Null Cones in Lorentz-Covariant General Relativity
Pitts, J. Brian
Schieve, W. C.
Fields and Particles
Relativity Theory
The oft-neglected issue of the causal structure in the flat spacetime approach to Einstein's theory of gravity is considered. Consistency requires that the flat metric's null cone be respected, but this does not automatically happen. After reviewing the history of this problem, we introduce a generalized eigenvector formalism to give a kinematic description of the relation between the two null cones, based on the Segre' classification of symmetric rank 2 tensors with respect to a Lorentzian metric. Then we propose a method to enforce special relativistic causality by using the gauge freedom to restrict the configuration space suitably. A set of new variables just covers this smaller configuration space and respects the flat metric's null cone automatically. Respecting the flat metric's null cone ensures that the spacetime is globally hyperbolic, indicating that the Hawking black hole information loss paradox does not arise in the special relativistic approach to Einstein's theory.
2001-11
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/481/1/NullConesLANL.pdf
Pitts, J. Brian and Schieve, W. C. (2001) Null Cones in Lorentz-Covariant General Relativity. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:482
2010-10-07T15:10:35Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:7175616E74756D2D6669656C642D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/482/
The Relevance of Irrelevance: Absolute Objects and the Jones-Geroch Dust Velocity Counterexample, with a Note on Spinors
Pitts, J. Brian
Relativity Theory
Quantum Field Theory
James L. Anderson analyzed the conceptual novelty of Einstein's theory of gravity as its lack of ``absolute objects.'' Michael Friedman's related concept of absolute objects has been criticized by Roger Jones and Robert Geroch for implausibly admitting as absolute the timelike 4-velocity field of dust in cosmological models in Einstein's theory. Using Nathan Rosen's action principle, I complete Anna Maidens's argument that the Jones-Geroch problem is not solved by requiring that absolute objects not be varied. Recalling Anderson's proscription of (globally) ``irrelevant'' variables that do no work (anywhere in any model), I generalize that proscription to locally irrelevant variables that do no work in some places in some models. This move vindicates Friedman's intuitions and removes the Jones-Geroch counterexample: some regions of some models of gravity with dust are dust-free, and there is no good reason to have a timelike dust 4-velocity vector there. Eliminating the irrelevant timelike vctors keeps the dust 4-velocity from counting as absolute by spoiling its neighborhood-by-neighborhood diffeomorphic equivalence to (1,0,0,0). A more fundamental Gerochian timelike vector field presents itself in gravity with spinors in the standard orthonormal tetrad formalism, though eliminating irrelevant fields might solve this problem as well.
2005-01
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/482/1/FriedmanJones.pdf
Pitts, J. Brian (2005) The Relevance of Irrelevance: Absolute Objects and the Jones-Geroch Dust Velocity Counterexample, with a Note on Spinors. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:510
2010-10-07T15:20:22Z
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:512
2010-10-07T15:10:37Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:636C6173736963616C2D70687973696373
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:6669656C64732D616E642D7061727469636C6573
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/512/
The Problem of Inertia (in german)
Giulini, Domenico
Classical Physics
Fields and Particles
Relativity Theory
It is well known that the concept of "force", if based on "interaction", becomes problematic when applied to "inertia". I review some well known historical arguments (Newton, Mach), move to some slightly less well known contributions (Neumann, Lange, Thomson, Tait, the Friedlaender brothers), and discuss the situation that we now face in general relativity.
2001-07
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/512/1/Traegheit.pdf
Giulini, Domenico (2001) The Problem of Inertia (in german). [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:514
2010-10-07T15:10:38Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
7375626A656374733D67656E:7374727563747572652D6F662D7468656F72696573
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/514/
Curve It, Gauge It, or Leave It? Practical Underdetermination in Gravitational Theories
Lyre, Holger
Eynck, Tim Oliver
Physics
Relativity Theory
Structure of Theories
Four empirically equivalent versions of general relativity, namely standard GR, Lorentz-invariant gravitational theory, and the gravitational gauge theories of the Lorentz and translation groups, are investigated in the form of a case study for theory underdetermination. The various ontological indeterminacies (both underdetermination and inscrutability of reference) inherent in gravitational theories are analyzed in a detailed comparative study. The concept of practical underdetermination is proposed, followed by a discussion of its adequacy to describe scientific progress.
2001-12
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/514/1/Cgl.pdf
application/postscript
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/514/2/Cgl.ps
Lyre, Holger and Eynck, Tim Oliver (2001) Curve It, Gauge It, or Leave It? Practical Underdetermination in Gravitational Theories. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:518
2010-10-07T15:20:23Z
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:523
2010-10-07T15:20:23Z
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:525
2015-09-13T15:01:43Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/525/
Presentism and Relativity
Balashov, Yuri
Janssen, Michel
Physics
Relativity Theory
In this critical notice we argue against William Craig's recent attempt to reconcile presentism (roughly, the view that only the present is real) with relativity theory. Craig's defense of his position boils down to endorsing a neo-Lorentzian interpretation of special relativity. We contend that his reconstruction of Lorentz's theory and its historical development is fatally flawed and that his arguments for reviving this theory fail on many counts.
2002-01
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/525/1/presentism_and_relativity.pdf
application/postscript
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/525/2/presentism_and_relativity.prn
Balashov, Yuri and Janssen, Michel (2002) Presentism and Relativity. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:528
2010-10-07T15:10:39Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:7175616E74756D2D6669656C642D7468656F7279
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:7175616E74756D2D6D656368616E696373
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/528/
Matrix models as non-local hidden variables theories
Smolin, Lee
Quantum Field Theory
Quantum Mechanics
Relativity Theory
It is shown that the matrix models which give non-perturbative definitions of string and M theory may be interpreted as non-local hidden variables theories in which the quantum observables are the eigenvalues of the matrices while their entries are the non-local hidden variables. This is shown by studying the bosonic matrix model at finite temperature, with T taken to scale as 1/N, with N the rank of the matrices. For large N the eigenvalues of the matrices undergo Brownian motion due to the interaction of the diagonal elements with the off diagonal elements, giving rise to a diffusion constant that remains finite as N goes to infinity. The resulting probability density and current for the eigenvalues are then found to evolve in agreement with the Schroedinger equation, to leading order in 1/N, with hbar proportional to the thermal diffusion constant for the eigenvalues. The quantum uctuations and uncertainties in the eigenvalues are then consequences of ordinary statistical uctuations in the values of the off-diagonal matrix elements. Furthermore, this formulation of the quantum theory is background independent, as the definition of the thermal ensemble makes no use of a particular classical solution. The derivation relies on Nelson's stochastic formulation of quantum theory, which is expressed in terms of a variational principle.
2001-12
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/528/1/me-hidden.pdf
Smolin, Lee (2001) Matrix models as non-local hidden variables theories. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:565
2010-10-07T15:10:43Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/565/
An example relevant to the Kretschmann-Einstein debate
Sorkin, Rafael
Relativity Theory
We cast the flat space theory of a scalar field in generally covariant form by introducing an auxiliary field $\lambda$. The resulting theory is couched in terms of an action integral $S$, and all the fields (the scalar, the spacetime metric, and $\lambda$) are dynamical in the sense of being varied freely in $S$. Conservation of energy-momentum emerges as a formal consequence of diffeomorphism invariance, in close analogy with the situation in ordinary general relativity.
2002
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
tex-latex
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/565/1/sorkin.tex
Sorkin, Rafael (2002) An example relevant to the Kretschmann-Einstein debate. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:578
2010-10-07T15:10:44Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/578/
Ephemeral Point-Events: Is There a Last Remnant of Physical Objectivity ?
Pauri, Massimo
Vallisneri, Michele
Relativity Theory
For the past two decades, Einstein's Hole Argument (which deals with the apparent indeterminateness of general relativity due to the general covariance of the field equations) and its resolution in terms of "Leibniz equivalence" (the statement that pseudo-Riemannian geometries related by active diffeomorphisms represent the same physical solution) have been the starting point for a lively philosophical debate on the objectivity of the point-events of space-time. It seems that Leibniz equivalence makes it impossible to consider the points of the space-time manifold as physically individuated without recourse to dynamical individuating fields. Various authors have posited that the metric field itself can be used in this way , but nobody so far has considered the problem of explicitly distilling the "metrical fingerprint" of point-events from the gauge-dependent elements of the metric field. Working in the Hamiltonian formulation of general relativity, and building on the results of Lusanna and Pauri (2002), we show how Bergmann and Komar's "intrinsic pseudo-coordinates" (based on the value of curvature invariants) can be used to provide a physical individuation of point-events in terms of the true degrees of freedom (the "Dirac observables") of the gravitational field, and we suggest how this conceptual individuation could in principle be implemented with a well-defined empirical procedure. We argue from these results that point-events retain a significant kind of physical objectivity.
2002-02
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/578/1/ephemeral-letter.pdf
application/postscript
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/578/2/Ephemeral-letter.ps
Pauri, Massimo and Vallisneri, Michele (2002) Ephemeral Point-Events: Is There a Last Remnant of Physical Objectivity ? [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:591
2010-10-07T15:10:45Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:636F736D6F6C6F6779
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/591/
Presentism and Quantum Gravity
Monton, Bradley
Cosmology
Relativity Theory
There is a philosophical tradition of arguing against presentism, the thesis that only presently existing things exist, on the basis of its incompatibility with fundamental physics. I grant that presentism is incompatible with special and general relativity, but argue that presentism is not incompatible with quantum gravity, because there are some theories of quantum gravity that utilize a fixed foliation of spacetime. I reply to various objections to this defense of presentism, and point out a flaw in Gödel's modal argument for the ideality of time. This paper provides an interesting case study of the interplay between physics and philosophy.
2001-08
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/591/1/presentism_and_qg.pdf
Monton, Bradley (2001) Presentism and Quantum Gravity. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:627
2010-10-07T15:10:49Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:7175616E74756D2D6669656C642D7468656F7279
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/627/
Naive Quantum Gravity
Weinstein, Steven
Physics
Quantum Field Theory
Relativity Theory
In this paper we consider a naive conception of what a quantum theory of gravity might entail: a quantum-mechanically fluctuating gravitational field at each spacetime point. We argue that this idea is problematic both conceptually and technically.
2001
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/627/1/nqg.pdf
Weinstein, Steven (2001) Naive Quantum Gravity. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:632
2010-10-07T15:10:50Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:636C6173736963616C2D70687973696373
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/632/
Review of Palle Yourgrau's "Gödel Meets Einstein: Time Travel in the Gödel Universe."
Weinstein, Steven
Classical Physics
Physics
Relativity Theory
This is a review of Yourgrau's book, the second edition of his "The Disappearance of Time."
2002
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/632/1/Yourgrau.pdf
Weinstein, Steven (2002) Review of Palle Yourgrau's "Gödel Meets Einstein: Time Travel in the Gödel Universe.". [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:663
2010-10-07T15:10:53Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:7175616E74756D2D6669656C642D7468656F7279
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:7175616E74756D2D6D656368616E696373
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/663/
The Dependence of Lorentz Boost Generators on the Presence and Nature of Interactions
Fleming, Gordon N.
Quantum Field Theory
Quantum Mechanics
Relativity Theory
The long established but infrequently discussed dependence of Lorentz boost generators on the presence and nature of interactions is reviewed in this tutorial note. The last third of the note presents a discussion of the covariant transformation and evolution equations for the non-conserved partial generators of the inhomogeneous Lorentz group for interacting subsystems.
2002-06
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/663/1/%2CInteraction_Dependence_of_Lorentz_Boosts_.pdf.pdf
Fleming, Gordon N. (2002) The Dependence of Lorentz Boost Generators on the Presence and Nature of Interactions. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:666
2010-10-07T15:10:54Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:6D617468656D6174696373
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/666/
Inertial frames, special relativity and consistency
Srinivasan, Radhakrishnan
Mathematics
Physics
Relativity Theory
The theory of special relativity (SR) is considered in the framework of classical first-order logic. The four axioms of SR are: The existence of a flat four-dimensional spacetime continuum, the existence of global inertial frames of reference and Einstein's two postulates. The propositions permitted are those involving the kinematics and dynamics of SR as formulated from an inertial frame; these give a complete description of the evolution of the universe. Assuming SR as consistent, there must exist a model M for SR in which F is an inertial frame in a non-trivial universe U(IBC) of material objects, with appropriate initial-boundary conditions IBC specified. Let P be defined as ``F is an inertial frame in U(IBC)''. Using Goedel's second incompleteness theorem, it is argued that P is undecidable in SR. Let Q be any proposition such that (Q --> P) is not a theorem of SR. If, in addition, (P --> Q) is a theorem of SR then Q must necessarily be true in M. It follows that there must exist a model N for SR in which Q is true and P is false, i.e., F is an accelerated frame in U(IBC). The philosophical and mathematical implications of this result for the consistency of SR are discussed.
2002-06
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
application/postscript
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/666/1/ifr.ps
tex-latex
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/666/2/ifr.tex
Srinivasan, Radhakrishnan (2002) Inertial frames, special relativity and consistency. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:670
2010-10-07T15:10:54Z
7375626A656374733D67656E:636175736174696F6E
7375626A656374733D67656E:64657465726D696E69736D2D696E64657465726D696E69736D
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:7175616E74756D2D6D656368616E696373
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/670/
No-common-cause EPR-like funny business in branching space-times
Belnap, Nuel
Causation
Determinism/Indeterminism
Quantum Mechanics
Relativity Theory
There is "no EPR-like funny business" if (contrary to apparent fact) our world is as indeterministic as you wish, but is free from the EPR-like quantum-mechanical phenomena such as is sometimes described in terms of superluminal causation or correlation between distant events. The theory of branching space-times can be used to sharpen the theoretical dichotomy between "EPR-like funny business" and "no EPR-like funny business." Archived publication PITT-PHIL-SCI00000451 offered two analyses of the dichotomy, and proved them equivalent. This essay adds two more, both connected with Reichenbach's "principle of the common cause," the principle that sends us hunting for a common-cause explanation of distant correlations. The two previous ideas of funny business and the two ideas introduced in this essay are proved to be all equivalent, which increases one's confidence in the stability of (and helpfulness of) the BST analysis of the dichotomy between EPR-like funny business and its absence.
2002
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/670/1/ncc-fb-3.pdf
Belnap, Nuel (2002) No-common-cause EPR-like funny business in branching space-times. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:674
2010-10-07T15:10:55Z
7374617475733D696E7072657373
7375626A656374733D67656E:636F6E76656E74696F6E616C69736D
7375626A656374733D67656E:6C6F676963616C2D706F736974697669736D2D656D706972696369736D
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D6F74686572
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/674/
Reichenbach's Epsilon Definition of Simultaneity in Historical and Philosophical Perspective
Rynasiewicz, Robert
Conventionalism
Logical Positivism/Logical Empiricism
Relativity Theory
I examine the development of Reichenbach's ideas concerning the conventionality of simultaneity in connection with his ``epsilon''-definition of simultaneity. It does not appear that he ever considered non-standard choices of ``epsilon'' that yield the same ``light-geometry'' as that of special relativity. Rather, it appears he believed that non-standard choices, though always epistemically justified, lead to different ``light-geometries'' (e.g., classical space-time) and thus would necessitate more complicated ``matter axioms'' than those postulated in his axiomatization of relativity.
2001-01
Other
PeerReviewed
application/postscript
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/674/1/figure_1.eps
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/674/2/epsilon_sim.pdf
Rynasiewicz, Robert (2001) Reichenbach's Epsilon Definition of Simultaneity in Historical and Philosophical Perspective. UNSPECIFIED. (In Press)
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:712
2010-10-07T15:20:33Z
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:713
2010-10-07T15:10:57Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:7175616E74756D2D6669656C642D7468656F7279
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/713/
Handedness, parity violation, and the reality of space
Pooley, Oliver
Physics
Quantum Field Theory
Relativity Theory
In the first part of this paper a relational account of incongruent counterparts is defended against an argument due to Kant. I then consider a more recent attack on such an account, due to John Earman, which alleges that the relationalist cannot account for the lawlike left--right asymmetry manifested in parity-violating phenomena. I review Hoefer's, Huggett's and Saunders' responses to Earman's argument and argue that, while a relationalist account of parity-violating laws is possible, it comes at the cost of non-locality.
2001-12
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/713/1/parity.pdf
tex-latex
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/713/2/parity.tex
Pooley, Oliver (2001) Handedness, parity violation, and the reality of space. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:714
2010-10-07T15:20:33Z
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:715
2015-09-13T15:15:27Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/715/
Lorentz contraction and dimensionality of reality
Petkov, Vesselin
Physics
Relativity Theory
The purpose of this paper is to show that the Lorentz contraction of a rod is possible only if the rod's world path is a real four-dimensional object. This result demonstrates that special relativity does require reality at the microscopic level to be a four-dimensional world represented by Minkowski spacetime.
2002-08
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
rtf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/715/1/Lorentz4D.rtf
Petkov, Vesselin (2002) Lorentz contraction and dimensionality of reality. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:784
2010-10-07T15:11:02Z
7375626A656374733D67656E:636175736174696F6E
7375626A656374733D67656E:64657465726D696E69736D2D696E64657465726D696E69736D
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:7175616E74756D2D6D656368616E696373
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/784/
EPR-like ``funny business'' in the theory of branching space-times
Belnap, Nuel
Causation
Determinism/Indeterminism
Quantum Mechanics
Relativity Theory
EPR-like phenomena are (presumably) indeterministic, but they furthermore suggest that our world involves seeming-strange ``funny business.'' Without invoking any heavy mathematics, the theory of branching space-times offers two apparently quite different ways in which EPR-like funny business goes beyond simple indeterminism. (1) The first is a modal version of a Bell-like correlation: There exist two space-like separated indeterministic initial events whose families of outcomes are nevertheless modally correlated. That is, although the occurrence of each outcome of each of the two space-like separated initial events is separately possible, some joint occurrence of their outcomes (one from each) is impossible. (2) The second sounds like superluminal causation: A certain initial event can bear a cause-like relation to a certain without being in the causal past of that outcome. The two accounts of EPR-like funny business are proved equivalent, a result that supports the claim of each as useful to mark the line between mere indeterminism and EPR-like funny business. This is a ``postprint'' based on the version published in Non-locality and modality, T. Placek and J. Butterfield eds., Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht, 2002, pp. 293--315. The archive at http://philsci-archive.pitt.edu contains two recent related articles by the author, ``No-common-cause EPR-like funny business in branching space-times'' (2002) and ``A theory of causation: causae causantes (originating causes) as inus conditions in branching space-times'' (2002).
2002-09
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/784/1/epr-fun-bus-from-krakow-tinkere.pdf
Belnap, Nuel (2002) EPR-like ``funny business'' in the theory of branching space-times. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:803
2010-10-07T15:20:42Z
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:811
2010-10-07T15:11:04Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:7175616E74756D2D6D656368616E696373
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/811/
Modal Interpretations and Relativity
Myrvold, Wayne C.
Quantum Mechanics
Relativity Theory
A proof is given, at a greater level of generality than previous 'no-go' theorems, of the impossibility of formulating a modal interpretation that exhibits 'serious' Lorentz invariance at the fundamental level. Particular attention is given to modal interpretations of the type proposed by Bub.
2002-08
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
tex-latex
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/811/1/ModalRelativity.tex
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/811/2/ModalRelativity.pdf
Myrvold, Wayne C. (2002) Modal Interpretations and Relativity. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:821
2015-09-13T15:20:42Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/821/
General covariance from the perspective of Noether's theorems
Brown, Harvey
Brading, Katherine
Relativity Theory
Analysis of Emmy Noether's 1918 theorems provides an illuminating method for testing the consequences of coordinate generality, and for exploring what else must be added to this requirement in order to give general covariance its far-reaching physical significance. The discussion takes us through Noether's first and second theorems, and then a third related theorem due originally to F. Klein. Contact will also be made with the contributions of, principally, J.L. Anderson, A. Trautman, P.A.M. Dirac, R. Torretti and the father of the whole business, A. Einstein (an apparent shift in Einstein's thinking on the significance of general covariance between 1916 and 1918 is highlighted).
2002-08
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/821/1/TorrettiB%26B.pdf
Brown, Harvey and Brading, Katherine (2002) General covariance from the perspective of Noether's theorems. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:832
2010-10-07T15:11:07Z
7375626A656374733D67656E:636175736174696F6E
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:7175616E74756D2D6D656368616E696373
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/832/
Superluminal Signalling
Weinstein, Steven
Causation
Quantum Mechanics
Relativity Theory
Special relativity is said to prohibit faster-than-light (superluminal) signalling, yet controversy regularly arises as to whether this or that physical phenomenon violates the prohibition. I argue that the controversy is a result of a lack of clarity as to what it means to `signal', and I propose a criterion. I show that although we have no reason to think that one can send signals faster than light, this is not prohibited by special relativity.
2002-08
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/832/1/signal4b.pdf
Weinstein, Steven (2002) Superluminal Signalling. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:833
2010-10-07T15:11:07Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:636F736D6F6C6F6779
7375626A656374733D67656E:7265616C69736D2D616E74692D7265616C69736D
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/833/
Strange Couplings and Space-time Structure
Weinstein, Steven
Cosmology
Realism/Anti-realism
Relativity Theory
General relativity is commonly thought to imply the existence of a unique metric structure for space-time. A simple example is presented of a general relativistic theory with ambiguous metric structure. Brans-Dicke theory is then presented as a further example of a space-time theory in which the metric structure is ambiguous. Other examples of theories with ambiguous metrical structure are mentioned. Finally, it is suggested that several new and interesting philosophical questions arise from the sorts of theories discussed.
1996
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/833/1/s_c.pdf
Weinstein, Steven (1996) Strange Couplings and Space-time Structure. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:834
2010-10-07T15:11:07Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:7175616E74756D2D6669656C642D7468656F7279
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/834/
Gravity and Gauge Theory
Weinstein, Steven
Physics
Quantum Field Theory
Relativity Theory
Gauge theories are theories that are invariant under a characteristic group of "gauge" transformations. General relativity is invariant under transformations of the diffeomorphism group. This has prompted many philosophers and physicists to treat general relativity as a gauge theory, and diffeomorphisms as gauge transformations. I argue that this approach is misguided.
1998
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/834/1/gr_gauge.pdf
Weinstein, Steven (1998) Gravity and Gauge Theory. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:836
2010-10-07T15:11:08Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:7175616E74756D2D6D656368616E696373
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/836/
Absolute Quantum Mechanics
Weinstein, Steven
Physics
Quantum Mechanics
Relativity Theory
Whereas one can conceive of a relational classical mechanics in which absolute space and time do not play a fundamental role, quantum mechanics does not readily admit any such relational formulation.
2000
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/836/1/absolute6a.pdf
Weinstein, Steven (2000) Absolute Quantum Mechanics. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:845
2010-10-07T15:11:09Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/845/
Time Travel and theories of Time
Muntean, Ioan Lucian
Relativity Theory
This paper is a survey of the theories of time travel in a perspective close to theories of time. In the last section we discuss the special ontology of the objects that exist on closed timelike curves. We simply assert that CTC need a new ontology and these objects are not simply impossible or unconcevaible.
2000-08
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/845/1/TTdraft.pdf
Muntean, Ioan Lucian (2000) Time Travel and theories of Time. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:878
2010-10-07T15:11:13Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:7175616E74756D2D6669656C642D7468656F7279
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/878/
Laws, Symmetry, and Symmetry Breaking; Invariance, Conservation Principles, and Objectivity
Earman, John
Quantum Field Theory
Relativity Theory
Given its importance in modern physics, philosophers of science have paid surprisingly little attention to the subject of symmetries and invariances, and they have largely neglected the subtopic of symmetry breaking. I illustrate how the topic of laws and symmetries brings into fruitful interaction technical issues in physics and mathematics with both methodological issues in philosophy of science, such as the status of laws of physics, and metaphysical issues, such as the nature of objectivity.
2002-11
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/878/1/PSA2002.pdf
Earman, John (2002) Laws, Symmetry, and Symmetry Breaking; Invariance, Conservation Principles, and Objectivity. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:902
2010-10-07T15:11:16Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:636F736D6F6C6F6779
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/902/
Review of Time and the Metaphysics of Relativity
Dorato, Mauro
Cosmology
Relativity Theory
In his recent book Time and the Metaphysics of Relativity, William Lane Craig uses the concept of time to try to reconstruct strong conceptual links between theology, metaphysics and physics, three vertices of a triangle that until the 17th century were much less separated than they are today. In this review, I present and critically discuss the main theses of the book.
2002-11
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
rtf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/902/1/SRTbre.rtf
Dorato, Mauro (2002) Review of Time and the Metaphysics of Relativity. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:905
2010-10-07T15:20:46Z
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:910
2010-10-07T15:11:16Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/910/
3D/4D Equivalence, the Twins Paradox, and Absolute Time
McCall, Storrs
Lowe, E.J.
Relativity Theory
The thesis of 3D/4D equivalence states that every three-dimensional description of the world is translatable without remainder into a four-dimensional description, and vice versa. In representing an object in 3D or in 4D terms we are giving alternative descriptions of one and the same thing, and debates over whether the ontology of the physical world is "really" 3D or 4D are pointless. The twins paradox is shown to rest, in relativistic 4D geometry, on a reversed law of triangle inequality. But considering the twins as 3D beings who age through time, the paradox implies that time passes at different rates in different reference frames, and therefore that the concept of a single global or Absolute time is unsustainable.
2002-08
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
doc
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/910/1/3D-4D_eq.and_twins_paradox_%28draft%29.doc
McCall, Storrs and Lowe, E.J. (2002) 3D/4D Equivalence, the Twins Paradox, and Absolute Time. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:926
2010-10-07T15:11:18Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:636C6173736963616C2D70687973696373
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:6669656C64732D616E642D7061727469636C6573
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:7175616E74756D2D6669656C642D7468656F7279
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:7175616E74756D2D6D656368616E696373
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/926/
Symmetries in physics: philosophical reflections
Brading, Katherine A.
Castellani, Elena
Classical Physics
Fields and Particles
Physics
Quantum Field Theory
Quantum Mechanics
Relativity Theory
This is the table of contents and first chapter of "Symmetries in physics: philosophical reflections", edited by Katherine Brading and Elena Castellani, Cambridge University Press, 2003. As the organisers of the philosophy of physics workshop on symmetries held in Oxford in January 2001, we decided to bring together in one book the current philosophical discussions of symmetry in physics. Symmetry considerations dominate modern fundamental physics, both in quantum theory and in relativity. Philosophers are now beginning to devote increasing attention to such issues as the significance of gauge symmetry, the role of symmetry-breaking, the empirical status of symmetry principles, and so forth. These issues relate directly to traditional problems in the philosophy of science, including the status of the laws of nature, the relationships between mathematics, physical theory, and the world, and the extent to which mathematics dictates physics.
2002-11
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/926/1/symmetrybook.pdf
Brading, Katherine A. and Castellani, Elena (2002) Symmetries in physics: philosophical reflections. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:930
2010-10-07T15:20:46Z
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:931
2010-10-07T15:11:18Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/931/
Ephemeral Point-Events: Is There a Last Remnant of Physical Objectivity?
Pauri, Massimo
Vallisneri, Michele
Relativity Theory
For the past two decades, Einstein's Hole Argument (which deals with the apparent indeterminateness of general relativity due to the general covariance of the field equations) and its resolution in terms of Leibniz equivalence (the statement that Riemannian geometries related by active diffeomorphisms represent the same physical solution) have been the starting point for a lively philosophical debate on the objectivity of the point-events of space-time. It seems that Leibniz equivalence makes it impossible to consider the points of the space-time manifold as physically individuated without recourse to dynamical individuating fields. Various authors have posited that the metric field itself can be used in this way, but nobody so far has considered the problem of explicitly distilling the metrical fingerprint of point-events from the gauge-dependent components of the metric field. Working in the Hamiltonian formulation of general relativity, and building on the results of Lusanna and Pauri (2002), we show how Bergmann and Komar's intrinsic pseudo-coordinates (based on the value of curvature invariants) can be used to provide a physical individuation of point-events in terms of the true degrees of freedom (the Dirac observables) of the gravitational field, and we suggest how this conceptual individuation could in principle be implemented with a well-defined empirical procedure. We argue from these results that point-events retain a significant kind of physical objectivity.
2002-02
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/931/1/ephemeral.pdf
application/postscript
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/931/2/ephemeral.ps
tex-latex
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/931/3/ephemeral.tex
Pauri, Massimo and Vallisneri, Michele (2002) Ephemeral Point-Events: Is There a Last Remnant of Physical Objectivity? [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:957
2010-10-07T15:11:21Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:6669656C64732D616E642D7061727469636C6573
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:7175616E74756D2D6669656C642D7468656F7279
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:7175616E74756D2D6D656368616E696373
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/957/
With Iterative and Bosonized Coupling towards Fundamental Particle Properties
Binder, Bernd
Fields and Particles
Physics
Quantum Field Theory
Quantum Mechanics
Relativity Theory
Previous results have shown that the linear topological potential-to-phase relationship (well known from Josephson junctions) is the key to iterative coupling and non-perturbative bosonization of the 2 two-spinor Dirac equation. In this paper those results are combined to approach the nature of proton, neutron, and electron via extrapolations from the Planck scale to the System of Units (SI). The electron acts as a bosonizing bridge between opposite parity topological currents. The resulting potentials and masses are based on a fundamental soliton mass limit and two iteratively obtained coupling constants, where one is the fine structure constant. The simple non-perturbative and relativistic results are within measurement uncertainty and show a very high significance. The deviation for the proton and electron masses are approximately 1 ppb (10^-9), for the neutron 4 ppb.
2002-12
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/957/1/hydrogen13.pdf
application/postscript
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/957/2/hydrogen13.ps
tex-latex
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/957/3/hydrogen13.tex
Binder, Bernd (2002) With Iterative and Bosonized Coupling towards Fundamental Particle Properties. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:959
2010-10-07T15:11:22Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/959/
General Covariance and the Objectivity of Space-Time Point-Events: The Physical Role of Gravitational and Gauge Degrees of Freedom - DRAFT
Lusanna, Luca
Pauri, Massimo
Relativity Theory
This paper deals with a number of technical achievements that are instrumental for a dis-solution of the so-called "Hole Argument" in general relativity. Such achievements include: 1) the analysis of the "Hole" phenomenology in strict connection with the Hamiltonian treatment of the initial value problem. The work is carried through in metric gravity for the class of Christoudoulou-Klainermann space-times, in which the temporal evolution is ruled by the "weak" ADM energy; 2) a re-interpretation of "active" diffeomorphisms as "passive and metric-dependent" dynamical symmetries of Einstein's equations, a re-interpretation which enables to disclose their (up to now unknown) connection to gauge transformations on-shell; understanding such connection also enlightens the real content of the Hole Argument or, better, dis-solves it together with its alleged "indeterminism"; 3) the utilization of the Bergmann-Komar "intrinsic pseudo-coordinates", defined as suitable functionals of the Weyl curvature scalars, as tools for a peculiar gauge-fixing to the super-hamiltonian and super-momentum constraints; 4) the consequent construction of a "physical atlas" of 4-coordinate systems for the 4-dimensional "mathematical" manifold, in terms of the highly non-local degrees of freedom of the gravitational field (its four independent "Dirac observables"). Such construction embodies the "physical individuation" of the points of space-time as "point-events", independently of the presence of matter, and associates a "non-commutative structure" to each gauge fixing or four-dimensional coordinate system; 5) a clarification of the multiple definition given by Peter Bergmann of the concept of "(Bergmann) observable" in general relativity. This clarification leads to the proposal of a "main conjecture" asserting the existence of i) special Dirac's observables which are also Bergmann's observables, ii) gauge variables that are coordinate independent (namely they behave like the tetradic scalar fields of the Newman-Penrose formalism). A by-product of this achievements is the falsification of a recently advanced argument asserting the absence of (any kind of) "change" in the observable quantities of general relativity. 6) a clarification of the physical role of Dirac and gauge variables as their being related to "tidal-like" and "inertial-like" effects, respectively. This clarification is mainly due to the fact that, unlike the standard formulations of the equivalence principle, the Hamiltonian formalism allows to define notion of "force" in general relativity in a natural way; 7) a proposal showing how the physical individuation of point-events could in principle be implemented as an experimental setup and protocol leading to a "standard of space-time" more or less like atomic clocks define standards of time. We conclude that, besides being operationally essential for building measuring apparatuses for the gravitational field, the role of matter in the non-vacuum gravitational case is also that of "participating directly" in the individuation process, being involved in the determination of the Dirac observables. This circumstance leads naturally to a peculiar new kind of "structuralist" view of the general-relativistic concept of space-time, a view that embodies some elements of both the traditional "absolutist" and "relational" conceptions. In the end, space-time point-events maintain a "peculiar sort of objectivity". Some hints following from our approach for the quantum gravity programme are also given.
2002-12
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
application/postscript
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/959/1/gencov27-Draft.ps
Lusanna, Luca and Pauri, Massimo (2002) General Covariance and the Objectivity of Space-Time Point-Events: The Physical Role of Gravitational and Gauge Degrees of Freedom - DRAFT. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:962
2010-10-07T15:11:22Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:6669656C64732D616E642D7061727469636C6573
7375626A656374733D67656E:6C6177732D6F662D6E6174757265
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:7175616E74756D2D6669656C642D7468656F7279
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:7175616E74756D2D6D656368616E696373
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/962/
A Natural Mass Unit Hidden in the Planck Action Quantum
Binder, Bernd
Fields and Particles
Laws of Nature
Physics
Quantum Field Theory
Quantum Mechanics
Relativity Theory
0.138% above the neutron and 0.276% above the proton baryon mass a natural mass unit µ can be identified by extrapolating dimensionless Planck units h=c=1 to the System of Units (SI). Similar to quantum measurements that determine h it is only necessary to relate the unit kinetic particle energy to the quantum energy of a photon having a unit wavelength. Connecting both energies and shifting the units, the inverse ratio of length units evolves proportional to the square of velocity units since both are proportional to the energy unit. With this connection the measurement of h becomes an indirect light velocity measurement and measurement of µ and shows that nonzero action and mass quanta corresponds to a finite light velocity c. As already shown, these sequential baryon mass differences (typical mass deficits of strong interaction) including the electron mass can be recovered within measurement error (some ppm) by simple relations obtained from bosonizing a massive Dirac equation.
2003-01
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/962/1/Compton04.pdf
application/postscript
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/962/2/Compton04.ps
Binder, Bernd (2003) A Natural Mass Unit Hidden in the Planck Action Quantum. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:965
2010-10-07T15:20:46Z
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:969
2010-10-07T15:11:23Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:6669656C64732D616E642D7061727469636C6573
7375626A656374733D67656E:6C6177732D6F662D6E6174757265
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:7175616E74756D2D6D656368616E696373
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
7375626A656374733D67656E:7468656F72792D6F62736572766174696F6E
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/969/
Natural Nonlinear Quantum Units and Human Artificial Linear System of Units
Binder, Bernd
Fields and Particles
Laws of Nature
Quantum Mechanics
Relativity Theory
Theory/Observation
Diving into the nonlinear massive range of nuclear physics, the quark model already indicates that the linearized massless length scales break down. Although we are often confronted with nonlinear and relativistic dynamics, we obtain our fundamental values with the classical linear system of units SI by linear extrapolation. Ignoring the correspondent nonlinear relations while extrapolating to the Planck scale h=c=µ=1 based on linear massless relations leads to pseudo-scales equivalent to geometrized mass units. This paper shows that one of the fundamental dimensions length, time, mass becomes redundant approaching the Planck scale. The hidden information can be assigned to a geometrized natural quantum mass unit µ part of the Planck constant h. In other words: c, h, and µ are interrelated.
2003-01
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/969/1/planck03.pdf
application/postscript
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/969/2/planck03.ps
Binder, Bernd (2003) Natural Nonlinear Quantum Units and Human Artificial Linear System of Units. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:973
2015-09-13T15:38:32Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/973/
On Mass Problem in Relativistic Mechanics and Gravitational Physics
Vankov, Anatoli
Relativity Theory
On Mass Problem in Relativistic Mechanics and Gravitational Physics Anatoli Vankov (dated 12.16.2003, e-mail: anatolivankov@hotmail.com) The proper mass of a test particle in General Relativity Theory (GRT) is a rest mass, so it is considered principally constant, just as in Kinematics of Special Relativity Theory (SRT). One may think that the same is true in SRT Mechanics (Dynamics). We found that a proper mass change occurs under a force action that is, during a transition from one inertial reference frame to another. The proper mass constancy in SRT Mechanics is, in fact, a weak field approximation leading to the Newtonian limit. We show that a variability of the proper mass is a fundamental physical phenomenon. It becomes especially important under strong field conditions, therefore, for understanding of the so-called self-energy divergence. The problem was seemingly overcome with help of the known renormalization procedure in Electrodynamics but not in gravitational field theory. GRT was shown to be nonrenormalizable. Our analysis of the SRT mass-energy concept showed that, after the proper mass variation was taken into account in SRT Mechanics equations, arguments for an exclusion of the gravity phenomenon from the SRT domain fell away. Moreover, this approach resulted in principal elimination of the gravitational divergence problem. Another new result concerned the speed of light. The conclusion was that the speed of light is not a fundamental physical constant: it is a physical quantity determined by a gravitational potential and has a cosmological meaning. In spite of radically different physical interpretation, the alternative approach to the gravitational problem gives an adequate description of weak-field gravitational experiments as GRT does: a numerical difference from GRT predictions is not meaningful. However, the difference in predictions progressively rises with field strength and an energy increase. One particular result concerns a behavior of a massive particle being in free fall in a gravitational field. In GRT, both a free particle and a photon, when approaching a gravitational center, tend to slow down, the particle speed being always less then the photon speed. In the SRT approach, the photon similarly slows down but not the particle. If so, superluminal particles exist. This is a new physical phenomenon, which may be called a gravitational refraction. We propose the experiment on the detection of superluminal particles in high-energy cosmic rays. It should be considered a new relativistic test having a falsifying power in a strong-field domain. This work is mainly conceptual. The purpose is to present in a simple form for a wide physical community some results of our study of Relativistic Mechanics, in which a source of a gravitational field is the proper mass. The main conclusion is that the development of the SRT-based divergence-free gravitation field theory is possible. PACS 04.80.Cc Key words: 1. General relativity. 2. Special Relativity. 3. Superluminal particle. 4. Speed of light. 5. Experimental test.
2003-01
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
doc
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/973/1/NewPaperCopy.doc
Vankov, Anatoli (2003) On Mass Problem in Relativistic Mechanics and Gravitational Physics. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:981
2010-10-07T15:20:46Z
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:987
2010-10-07T15:11:24Z
7374617475733D696E7072657373
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D6F74686572
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/987/
Michelson, FitzGerald and Lorentz: the origins of relativity revisited
Brown, Harvey R.
Relativity Theory
It is argued that an unheralded moment marking the beginnings of relativity theory occurred in 1889, when G. F. FitzGerald, no doubt with the puzzling 1887 Michelson-Morley experiment fresh in mind, wrote to Heaviside about the possible effects of motion on inter-molecular forces in bodies. Emphasis is placed on the difference between FitzGerald's and Lorentz's independent justifications of the shape distortion effect involved. Finally, the importance of the their `constructive' approach to kinematics---stripped of any commitment to the physicality of the ether--- will be defended, in the spirit of Pauli, Swann and Bell.
2003-01
Other
NonPeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/987/1/Michelson.pdf
Brown, Harvey R. (2003) Michelson, FitzGerald and Lorentz: the origins of relativity revisited. UNSPECIFIED. (In Press)
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:999
2010-10-07T15:11:25Z
7374617475733D696E7072657373
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:6669656C64732D616E642D7061727469636C6573
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:7175616E74756D2D6D656368616E696373
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D6F74686572
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/999/
The non-relativistic limits of the Maxwell and Dirac equations: the role of Galilean and gauge invariance
Holland, Peter
Brown, Harvey R.
Fields and Particles
Quantum Mechanics
Relativity Theory
The aim of this paper is to illustrate four properties of the non-relativistic limits of relativistic theories: (a) that a massless relativistic field may have a meaningful non-relativistic limit, (b) that a relativistic field may have more than one non-relativistic limit, (c) that coupled relativistic systems may be ?more relativistic? than their uncoupled counterparts, and (d) that the properties of the non-relativistic limit of a dynamical equation may differ from those obtained when the limiting equation is based directly on exact Galilean kinematics. These properties are demonstrated through an examination of the non-relativistic limit of the familiar equations of first-quantized QED, i.e., the Dirac and Maxwell equations. The conditions under which each set of equations admit non-relativistic limits are given, particular attention being given to a gauge-invariant formulation of the limiting process especially as it applies to the electromagnetic potentials. The difference between the properties of a limiting theory and an exactly Galilean covariant theory based on the same dynamical equation is demonstrated by examination of the Pauli equation.
2002
Other
PeerReviewed
doc
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/999/1/Holland%26Brown.doc
Holland, Peter and Brown, Harvey R. (2002) The non-relativistic limits of the Maxwell and Dirac equations: the role of Galilean and gauge invariance. UNSPECIFIED. (In Press)
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:1003
2010-10-07T15:11:26Z
7375626A656374733D67656E:636175736174696F6E
7375626A656374733D67656E:64657465726D696E69736D2D696E64657465726D696E69736D
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/1003/
Branching space-time, postprint January, 2003
Belnap, Nue;
Causation
Determinism/Indeterminism
Relativity Theory
``Branching space-time'' is a simple blend of relativity and indeterminism. Postulates and definitions rigorously describe the ``causal order'' relation between possible point events. The key postulate is a version of ``everything has a causal origin''; key defined terms include ``history'' and ``choice point.'' Some elementary but helpful facts are proved. Application is made to the status of causal contemporaries of indeterministic events, to how ``splitting'' of histories happens, to indeterminism without choice, and to Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen distant correlations.
2003-01
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/1003/1/bst-92-postprint-jan-2003.pdf
Belnap, Nue; (2003) Branching space-time, postprint January, 2003. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:1006
2010-10-07T15:11:26Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/1006/
Special Theory of Relativity and the Lorentz Force
Noninski, Vesselin
Relativity Theory
Efforts to demonstrate that the application of Lorentz transformations leads to the form Y' = [Y - (v/c)N] (at least to the leading orders of approximation), which has been elevated to the criterion for the validity of STR , has been the main point in the founding paper on Special Theory of Relativity (STR). The text that follows shows that the said criterion for the validity of STR set forth in the mentioned paper is not fulfilled, despite the implication in it that it is.
2003-02
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/1006/1/Special_Theory_of_Relativity_and_the_Lorentz_Force.pdf
Noninski, Vesselin (2003) Special Theory of Relativity and the Lorentz Force. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:1007
2010-10-07T15:11:27Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/1007/
On the Physical Consistency of the Special Theory of Relativity (STR)
Noninski, Vesselin
Relativity Theory
There are well-established facts whose validity is beyond any doubt, such as the fact that 2 + 2 = 4 or the fact that, say, a lamp that can only flash once in its entire lifetime can only flash at a given coordinate x and at a given time t in a given system O. Such lamp cannot flash at a given moment t at two different coordinates x in this system O. A theory is physically inconsistent if it leads to conclusions which contradict such well-established facts. In this text arguments are given which show that STR leads to conclusions which are in contradiction with well-established facts and therefore it is physically inconsistent.
2003-02
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/1007/1/On_the_Physical_Consistency_of_STR.pdf
Noninski, Vesselin (2003) On the Physical Consistency of the Special Theory of Relativity (STR). [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:1008
2010-10-07T15:11:27Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/1008/
Conclusions About the Simultaneity of Two Events
Noninski, Vesselin
Relativity Theory
A 'gedanken' experiment is presented whereby two simultaneous events (from the point of view of an obesrver in a train) trigger an explosion which destroys a train. A stationary observer using the Special Theory of Relativity (STR) to determine simultaneity in the train concludes that no simultaneous events have occurred on the train, hence the train is intact. It is pointed out that the conclusion the stationary observer makes is incorrect because it is based on STR as a method to determine simultaneity.
2003-02
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/1008/1/Conclusions_About_Simultaneity_of_Two_Events.pdf
Noninski, Vesselin (2003) Conclusions About the Simultaneity of Two Events. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:1015
2015-09-13T15:40:13Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/1015/
On the possibility of motion with the speed greater than the speed of light
Vankov, Anatoli
Relativity Theory
We investigated gravitational properties of particles within the Lagrangian formulation of Relativistic Mechanics. It was found that the speed of a particle having a rest mass increases while the speed of a photon decreases with gravitational field strength. Consequently, the particle in a gravitational field can reach the speed greater than the speed of light. Corresponding conditions were specified, in particular, for cosmic ray particles around Earth. Opportunities of superluminal particle observation by Cherenkov radiation detection with the use of satellite gamma-ray instrumentation are discussed. We paid attention to the so-called Terrestrial Gamma Flashes (TGF) phenomenon accidentally discovered during the NASA program Burst and Transient Source Experiment. The program was organized to study gamma ray bursts originating in deep space. The TGF events were observed during the BATSE mission and thought to be associated with upward breakdown emission in electron showers triggered by energetic electrons in upper atmosphere. Our analysis showed that this explanation has no physical ground. The TGF pattern looks very similar to what is expected from gamma bursts due to Cherenkov radiation from superluminal cosmic ray protons. This hypothesis can be verified in further experiments.
2003-01
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
doc
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/1015/1/TGFpaper.doc
Vankov, Anatoli (2003) On the possibility of motion with the speed greater than the speed of light. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:1021
2010-10-07T15:20:48Z
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:1043
2010-10-07T15:11:29Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:636F736D6F6C6F6779
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/1043/
Self-Consistent Quantum-Gravitational Quadrupole Fluctuations
Binder, Bernd
Cosmology
Physics
Relativity Theory
To establish a self-consistent system of mutually interacting gravitational quadrupoles, a characteristic number N of quantum masses µ are related to a characteristic velocity scaling. For this purpose a critical reference is defined by the flux and flux number of mass quanta constituting a confining unit field generating mass m_{G}=Nµ. In the field of m_{G} any small test mass orbits at unit distance r_{u} with unit velocity u (human artificial units). The velocity limit c with angular momentum quantum h is assigned to the Schwarzschild black hole photon sphere with radius given by the Compton wavelength. For this quantum mass we find the constitutional scaling relation N \approx 3m_{G}/µ \propto (c/u)^5 which indicates a quadrupole exchange. The corresponding coupling strength can be exactly related to previous results confirming the quantum mass µ hidden in the action quantum related at the Planck scale to the gravitational coupling constant G by µ^4 G=1. The coupling deficits can be assigned to a duality of coupling and non-coupling fluxes with 4th power flux scaling. This fits very well to existing models assuming a non-gravitating vacuum energy to give a satisfactory answer to the cosmological constant problem.
2003-01
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/1043/1/einstein07.ps
Binder, Bernd (2003) Self-Consistent Quantum-Gravitational Quadrupole Fluctuations. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:1105
2010-10-07T15:11:43Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/1105/
On the Lorentz Invariance of Maxwell's Equations
Vesselin, Noninski
Relativity Theory
It is shown that, contrary to existing opinion, Maxwell's equations are not invariant in form under Lorentz transformations.
2003-03
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/1105/1/s_Equations.pdf
Vesselin, Noninski (2003) On the Lorentz Invariance of Maxwell's Equations. [Preprint]
oai:philsci-archive.pitt.edu:1110
2010-10-07T15:11:43Z
7375626A656374733D73706563:70687973696373:72656C617469766974792D7468656F7279
74797065733D706974747072657072696E74
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/1110/
Michelson-Morley Experiment and The Second Postulate of STR
Noninski, Vesselin
Relativity Theory
This note discusses the fact that the Second Postulate in the Special Theory of Relativity (STR) is an absolute statement which implicitly acknowledges, despite the claim in [3] to the contrary, the existence of what was known as "ether". The stated absolute property of light to have a "definite velocity c independent of the emitting body" implicitly requires, especially from the point of view of the stationary observer, propagation of light to occur in an ubiquitous absolute medium external to any system (ether). If the outcome of the Michelson-Morley experiment is null, as is widely accepted, then it is an experiment rejecting the Second Postulate, respectively, disproving STR.
2003-04
Preprint
NonPeerReviewed
application/pdf
en
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/1110/1/Michelson-Morley_Experiment_and_The_Second_Postulate_of_ST.pdf
Noninski, Vesselin (2003) Michelson-Morley Experiment and The Second Postulate of STR. [Preprint]
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