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Frameworks in physics: Abstractness, generality, and the role of metaphysics

Koberinski, Adam and Fraser, Doreen (2024) Frameworks in physics: Abstractness, generality, and the role of metaphysics. [Preprint]

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Abstract

In defending the fundamentality of the open systems view for quantum theory, Cuffaro and Hartmann (2024) articulate an account of frameworks in physics. They argue that the general quantum theory of open systems is a more fundamental framework than standard quantum theory. In this chapter, we articulate an account of frameworks using the examples of quantum field theory and statistical mechanics. We argue that what makes frameworks useful in physics is the combination of generality and abstractness of frameworks. In particular, their abstractness makes them poor targets for metaphysical analysis; the more concrete levels of theories or models are the appropriate target for ontological fundamentality claims.


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Item Type: Preprint
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Koberinski, Adamatkoberinski@uwaterloo.ca0000-0001-7605-4214
Fraser, Doreendlfraser@uwaterloo.ca
Additional Information: Forthcoming chapter in "Open Systems: Physics, Metaphysics, and Methodology", edited by Michael E. Cuffaro and Stephan Hartmann, Oxford University Press.
Keywords: Quantum field theory; Frameworks; Abstractness and generality; Condensed Matter Physics
Subjects: General Issues > Scientific Metaphysics
Specific Sciences > Physics > Condensed Matter
Specific Sciences > Physics
Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Field Theory
General Issues > Structure of Theories
Depositing User: Dr. Adam Koberinski
Date Deposited: 09 Aug 2024 23:16
Last Modified: 09 Aug 2024 23:16
Item ID: 23784
Subjects: General Issues > Scientific Metaphysics
Specific Sciences > Physics > Condensed Matter
Specific Sciences > Physics
Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Field Theory
General Issues > Structure of Theories
Date: 2024
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/23784

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