Hubert, Mario (2015) Quantity of Matter or Intrinsic Property: Why Mass Cannot Be Both. [Preprint]
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Abstract
I analyze the meaning of mass in Newtonian mechanics. First, I explain the notion of primitive ontology, which was originally introduced in the philosophy of quantum mechanics. Then I examine the two common interpretations of mass: mass as a measure of the quantity of matter and mass as a dynamical property. I claim that the former is ill-defined, and the latter is only plausible with respect to a metaphysical interpretation of laws of nature. I explore the following options for the status of laws: Humeanism, primitivism about laws, dispositionalism, and ontic structural realism.
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| Item Type: | Preprint | ||||||
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| Keywords: | mass Newtonian mechanics primitive ontology Humeanism primitivism about laws dispositionalism ontic structural realism. | ||||||
| Subjects: | Specific Sciences > Physics > Classical Physics General Issues > History of Philosophy of Science General Issues > Laws of Nature |
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| Depositing User: | Dr. Mario Hubert | ||||||
| Date Deposited: | 11 Dec 2015 14:38 | ||||||
| Last Modified: | 11 Dec 2015 14:38 | ||||||
| Item ID: | 11806 | ||||||
| Subjects: | Specific Sciences > Physics > Classical Physics General Issues > History of Philosophy of Science General Issues > Laws of Nature |
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| Date: | 10 December 2015 | ||||||
| URI: | https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/11806 |
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