Shech, Elay (2018) Infinitesimal Idealization, Easy Road Nominalism, and Fractional Quantum Statistics. [Preprint]

Preview

Text Infinite idealizations, Easy Road Nominalism, and Fractional Quantum Statistics PREPRINT.pdf Download (7MB) | Preview

Abstract

It has been recently debated whether there exists a so-called “easy road” to nominalism. In this essay, I attempt to fill a lacuna in the debate by making a connection with the literature on infinite and infinitesimal idealization in science through an example from mathematical physics that has been largely ignored by philosophers. Specifically, by appealing to John Norton’s distinction between idealization and approximation, I argue that the phenomena of fractional quantum statistics bears negatively on Mary Leng’s proposed path to easy road nominalism, thereby partially defending Mark Colyvan’s claim that there is no easy road to nominalism.

---

Export/Citation:

EndNote | BibTeX | Dublin Core | ASCII/Text Citation (Chicago) | HTML Citation | OpenURL

Social Networking:

Share |

---

Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Shech, Elay eshech@gmail.com
Keywords:	Idealization, Approximation, Mathematical Explanation, Indispensability Argument, Easy Road Nominalism, Anyons, Fractional Statistics, Quantum Hall Effect
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Mathematics > Explanation Specific Sciences > Physics > Condensed Matter Specific Sciences > Mathematics General Issues > Models and Idealization
Depositing User:	Dr. Elay Shech
Date Deposited:	03 Jan 2018 18:03
Last Modified:	03 Jan 2018 18:03
Item ID:	14249
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Mathematics > Explanation Specific Sciences > Physics > Condensed Matter Specific Sciences > Mathematics General Issues > Models and Idealization
Date:	January 2018
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/14249

Monthly Views for the past 3 years

Monthly Downloads for the past 3 years

Plum Analytics

Actions (login required)

View Item