Dorato, Mauro and Felline, Laura (2010) Structural explanations in Minkowski spacetime: which account of models? [Preprint]

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Abstract

In this paper we argue that structural explanations are an effective way of explaining well known relativistic phenomena like length contraction and time dilation, and then try to understand how this can be possible by looking at the literature on scientific models. In particular, we ask whether and how a model like that provided by Minkowski spacetime can be said to represent the physical world, in such a way that it can successfully explain physical phenomena structurally. We conclude by claiming that a partial isomorphic approach to scientific representation can supply an answer only if supplemented by a robust injection of pragmatic factors.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Dorato, Mauro Felline, Laura
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Physics > Relativity Theory
Depositing User:	laura felline
Date Deposited:	18 Mar 2010
Last Modified:	07 Oct 2010 15:19
Item ID:	5195
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Physics > Relativity Theory
Date:	January 2010
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/5195

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