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Laws of Physics

Chen, Eddy Keming (2023) Laws of Physics. [Preprint]

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Abstract

Despite its apparent complexity, our world seems to be governed by simple laws of physics. This volume provides a philosophical introduction to such laws. I explain how they are connected to some of the central issues in philosophy, such as ontology, possibility, explanation, induction, counterfactuals, time, determinism, and fundamentality. I suggest that laws are fundamental facts that govern the world by constraining its physical possibilities. I examine three hallmarks of laws--simplicity, exactness, and objectivity--and discuss whether and how they may be associated with laws of physics.


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Item Type: Preprint
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Chen, Eddy Kemingeddykemingchen@ucsd.edu0000-0001-5144-0952
Keywords: constraint explanation direction of time simplicity governing Humeanism non-Humeanism modality counterfactuals vagueness theoretical virtues
Subjects: General Issues > Scientific Metaphysics
General Issues > Causation
Specific Sciences > Physics > Classical Physics
Specific Sciences > Physics > Cosmology
General Issues > Determinism/Indeterminism
General Issues > Explanation
General Issues > Laws of Nature
Specific Sciences > Probability/Statistics
Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
General Issues > Realism/Anti-realism
Specific Sciences > Physics > Relativity Theory
Specific Sciences > Physics > Statistical Mechanics/Thermodynamics
Specific Sciences > Physics > Symmetries/Invariances
Depositing User: Dr. Eddy Keming Chen
Date Deposited: 07 Sep 2023 20:44
Last Modified: 07 Sep 2023 20:44
Item ID: 22513
Subjects: General Issues > Scientific Metaphysics
General Issues > Causation
Specific Sciences > Physics > Classical Physics
Specific Sciences > Physics > Cosmology
General Issues > Determinism/Indeterminism
General Issues > Explanation
General Issues > Laws of Nature
Specific Sciences > Probability/Statistics
Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
General Issues > Realism/Anti-realism
Specific Sciences > Physics > Relativity Theory
Specific Sciences > Physics > Statistical Mechanics/Thermodynamics
Specific Sciences > Physics > Symmetries/Invariances
Date: 7 September 2023
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/22513

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