Jalloh, Mahmoud (2022) The Π-Theorem as a Guide to Quantity Symmetries and the Argument Against Absolutism. UNSPECIFIED.

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Abstract

In this paper a symmetry argument against quantity absolutism is amended. Rather than arguing against the fundamentality of intrinsic quantities on the basis of transformations of basic quantities, e.g. mass doubling, a class of symmetries defined by the Π-theorem are used. This theorem is a fundamental result of dimensional analysis and shows that all unit-invariant equations which adequately represent physical systems can be put into the form of a function of dimensionless quantities. Quantity transformations that leave those dimensionless quantities invariant are empirical and dynamical symmetries. The proposed symmetries of the original argument fail to be both dynamical and empirical symmetries and are open to counterexamples. The amendment of the original argument requires consideration of the relationships between quantity dimensions, particularly the constraint of dimensional homogeneity on our physical equations. The discussion raises a pertinent issue: what is the modal status of the constants of nature which figure in the laws? Two positions, constant necessitism and constant contingentism, are introduced and their relationships to absolutism and comparativism undergo preliminary investigation. It is argued that the absolutist can only reject the amended symmetry argument by accepting constant necessitism, which has a costly outcome: unit transformations are no longer symmetries.

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Item Type:	Other
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Jalloh, Mahmoud mahmoudtimbojalloh@gmail.com 0000-0001-8511-9294
Keywords:	quantity, symmetry, pi-theorem, dimensional analysis, metaphysics, constants
Subjects:	General Issues > Scientific Metaphysics General Issues > Laws of Nature Specific Sciences > Physics Specific Sciences > Physics > Symmetries/Invariances
Depositing User:	Mahmoud Jalloh
Date Deposited:	15 Jun 2022 03:10
Last Modified:	15 Jun 2022 03:10
Item ID:	20743
Subjects:	General Issues > Scientific Metaphysics General Issues > Laws of Nature Specific Sciences > Physics Specific Sciences > Physics > Symmetries/Invariances
Date:	2022
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/20743

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• The Π-Theorem as a Guide to Quantity Symmetries and the Argument Against Absolutism. (deposited 15 Jun 2022 03:09)
  • The Π-Theorem as a Guide to Quantity Symmetries and the Argument Against Absolutism. (deposited 15 Jun 2022 03:10) [Currently Displayed]

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