Roberts, Bryan W. (2009) Group Structural Realism. [Preprint]

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Abstract

We present a precise form of structural realism, called 'group structural realism,' which identifies 'structure' in quantum theory with symmetry groups. However, working out the details of this view actually illuminates a major problem for structural realism; namely, a structure can itself have structure. This paper argues that, once a precise characterization of structure is given, the 'metaphysical hierarchy' on which group structural realism rests is seen to be overly extravagant and ultimately unmotivated.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Roberts, Bryan W.
Additional Information:	Forthcoming in British Journal for the Philosophy of Science
Keywords:	structural realism, group theory, quantum mechanics, realism
Subjects:	General Issues > Theory Change Specific Sciences > Physics General Issues > Realism/Anti-realism Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Depositing User:	Bryan W. Roberts
Date Deposited:	27 Jun 2009
Last Modified:	16 Nov 2010 20:22
Item ID:	4733
Subjects:	General Issues > Theory Change Specific Sciences > Physics General Issues > Realism/Anti-realism Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Date:	June 2009
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/4733

Available Versions of this Item

• Group Structural Realism. (deposited 27 Jun 2009) [Currently Displayed]
  • Group Structural Realism. (deposited 16 Nov 2010 20:22)

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