Ryder, Dominic J. (2024) The Black Hole Idealization Paradox. [Preprint]

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Abstract

Stephen Hawking's derivation of Hawking radiation relied on one particular spacetime model, that of a star collapsing into a black hole which then remains in existence forever. He then argued that Hawking radiation implies this model should be thrown away in favour of a different model, that of an evaporating black hole. This aspect of Hawking's argument is an example of an idealization that is pervasive in the literature on black hole thermodynamics, but which has not yet been widely discussed by philosophers. The aim of this paper is to clarify the nature of Hawking's idealization, and to show a sense in which it leads to a paradox. After identifying this idealization paradox in classic derivations of Hawking radiation, I go on to show how various research programmes in black hole thermodynamics can be viewed as possible resolutions to the paradox. I give an initial analysis of the prospects for success of these various resolutions, and show how they shed light on both the philosophical foundations of both Hawking radiation on the nature of idealizations in physics.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Ryder, Dominic J. d.ryder@lse.ac.uk 0000-0002-9629-3527
Keywords:	Hawking radiation; idealization; paradox; quantum field theory on curved spacetime
Subjects:	General Issues > Models and Idealization Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Gravity Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Field Theory Specific Sciences > Physics > Relativity Theory
Depositing User:	Mr Dominic John Ryder
Date Deposited:	21 Apr 2024 00:11
Last Modified:	21 Apr 2024 00:11
Item ID:	23298
Subjects:	General Issues > Models and Idealization Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Gravity Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Field Theory Specific Sciences > Physics > Relativity Theory
Date:	15 April 2024
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/23298

Available Versions of this Item

• The Black Hole Idealization Paradox. (deposited 16 Apr 2024 23:51)
  • The Black Hole Idealization Paradox. (deposited 21 Apr 2024 00:11) [Currently Displayed]
    • The Black Hole Idealization Paradox. (deposited 14 Dec 2024 13:12)

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