Earman, John (2026) Poor Man's Introduction to Gauge Symmetries. [Preprint]

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Abstract

Abstract: The purpose of this note is introduce philosophers to some of the glories and mysteries of gauge theories and the interpretational issues they generate. The aim is not to attempt to break new ground but to underscore several points about gauge theories that can be gleaned from the physics literature but which, for whatever reason, have either been ignored or have not been sufficiently taken to heart by philosophers of science. Throughout two matters are stressed: the importance of a good Cauchy problem for non-gauge theories and a gauge-good Cauchy problem for gauge theories, and the role of the demand for an action principle in motivating gauge theories.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Earman, John
Keywords:	gauge symmetries, symmetry-to-invariance inference, Cauchy problem, determinism/indeterminism, action principles
Subjects:	General Issues > Determinism/Indeterminism Specific Sciences > Physics > Relativity Theory General Issues > Structure of Theories Specific Sciences > Physics > Symmetries/Invariances
Depositing User:	John Earman
Date Deposited:	18 Feb 2026 16:20
Last Modified:	18 Feb 2026 16:20
Item ID:	28266
Subjects:	General Issues > Determinism/Indeterminism Specific Sciences > Physics > Relativity Theory General Issues > Structure of Theories Specific Sciences > Physics > Symmetries/Invariances
Date:	17 February 2026
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/28266

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