Lazarovici, Dustin (2017) Against Fields. [Preprint]

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Abstract

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

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Lazarovici, Dustin dustin.lazarovici@unil.ch
Keywords:	Relativity, Electrodynamics, Field Theory, Primitive Ontology, Wheeler-Feynman Theory, Self-Interaction,
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Physics > Classical Physics Specific Sciences > Physics > Fields and Particles Specific Sciences > Physics > Relativity Theory
Depositing User:	Dr. Dustin Lazarovici
Date Deposited:	04 Sep 2018 23:46
Last Modified:	04 Sep 2018 23:46
Item ID:	15003
Official URL:	https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13194-0...
DOI or Unique Handle:	10.1007/s13194-017-0179-z
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Physics > Classical Physics Specific Sciences > Physics > Fields and Particles Specific Sciences > Physics > Relativity Theory
Date:	3 July 2017
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/15003

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• Against Fields. (deposited 28 Feb 2017 13:51)
  • Against Fields. (deposited 04 Sep 2018 23:46) [Currently Displayed]

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