Bradley, Clara (2018) The Non-Equivalence of Einstein and Lorentz. [Preprint]

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Abstract

In this paper, I give a counterexample to a claim made in Norton (2008) that empirically equivalent theories can often be regarded as theoretically equivalent by treating one as having surplus structure, thereby overcoming the problem of underdetermination of theory choice. The case I present is that of Lorentz's ether theory and Einstein's theory of special relativity. I argue that Norton's suggestion that surplus structure is present in Lorentz's theory in the form of the ether state of rest is based on a misunderstanding of the role that the ether plays in Lorentz's theory, and that in general, consideration of the conceptual framework in which a theory is embedded is vital to understanding the relationship between different theories.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Bradley, Clara clarajbradley@gmail.com
Keywords:	theoretical equivalence, underdetermination, surplus structure, Lorentz, Einstein
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Physics > Relativity Theory General Issues > Structure of Theories
Depositing User:	Clara Bradley
Date Deposited:	20 Oct 2018 15:16
Last Modified:	20 Oct 2018 15:16
Item ID:	15169
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Physics > Relativity Theory General Issues > Structure of Theories
Date:	3 October 2018
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/15169

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• The Non-Equivalence of Einstein and Lorentz. (deposited 20 Oct 2018 15:16) [Currently Displayed]
  • The Non-Equivalence of Einstein and Lorentz. (deposited 01 Apr 2019 15:37)

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