Cooperman, Joshua Harris (2007) A Theory of the Universe from Contemporary Physics: Evaluating Smolin's Argument for the Elimination of 'Ideal Elements'. UNSPECIFIED.

Preview

PDF HPS_Dissertation_b.pdf Download (292kB)

Abstract

I explore Leibnizian themes in the theoretical physicist's pursuit of a quantum cosmology by examining Smolin's program based on the elimination of ideal elements. These constructs are formal mathematical structures of a physical theory that require for their interpretation the existence of objects external to the system treated by the theory. After introducing some necessary background information, I discuss the particulars of Smolin's definition of ideal elements and analyze his motivations and arguments for the elimination of ideal elements. I then survey and assess his two specific proposals for the construction of a quantum cosmology. The former stems from the canonical approach to the development of a quantum theory of gravity; the latter consists of a series of hypotheses framing a speculative fundamental theory of the universe. Finally, I consider the explicit links and debts of Smolin's program to Leibniz's philosophy.

---

Export/Citation:

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

Social Networking:

Share |

---

Item Type:	Other
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Cooperman, Joshua Harris
Additional Information:	This entry is my dissertation for the Masters of Philosophy program of the department of history and philosophy of science at Cambridge University.
Keywords:	quantum cosmology, Barbour-Bertotti theory
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Physics
Depositing User:	Joshua Harris Cooperman
Date Deposited:	16 Feb 2008
Last Modified:	07 Oct 2010 15:16
Item ID:	3894
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Physics
Date:	2007
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/3894

Monthly Views for the past 3 years

Monthly Downloads for the past 3 years

Plum Analytics

Actions (login required)

View Item