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Objectivity, Invariance, and Convention : Symmetry in Physical Science / Michael L. G. Redhead, Talal A. Debs.

By: Contributor(s): Material type: TextTextPublisher: Cambridge, MA : Harvard University Press, [2009]Copyright date: 2007Description: 1 online resource (208 p.)Content type:
Media type:
Carrier type:
ISBN:
  • 9780674034136
Subject(s): DDC classification:
  • 320.01 22
LOC classification:
  • JA66 .D84 2008
Other classification:
  • online - DeGruyter
Online resources:
Contents:
Frontmatter -- Contents -- Preface -- Acknowledgments -- Introduction -- 1 Scientific Representation -- 2 Models, Symmetry, and Convention -- 3 A New Appraisal of Symmetry -- 4 Simultaneity and Convention -- 5 Objectivity in the Twin Paradox -- 6 Localization in Quantum Theory -- Conclusion -- Appendix A -- Appendix B -- Notes -- Index
Summary: Most observers agree that modern physical theory attempts to provide objective representations of reality. However, the claim that these representations are based on conventional choices is viewed by many as a denial of their objectivity. As a result, objectivity and conventionality in representation are often framed as polar opposites.Offering a new appraisal of symmetry in modern physics, employing detailed case studies from relativity theory and quantum mechanics, Objectivity, Invariance, and Convention contends that the physical sciences, though dependent on convention, may produce objective representations of reality. Talal Debs and Michael Redhead show that both realists and constructivists have recognized important elements of an understanding of science that may not be contradictory.The position—“perspectival invariantism”—introduced in this book highlights the shortcomings of existing approaches to symmetry in physics, and, for the constructivist, demonstrates that a dependence on conventions in representation reaches into the domain of the most technical sciences. For the realist, it stands as evidence against the claim that conventionality must undermine objectivity. We can be committed to the existence of a single real ontology while maintaining a cultural view of science.
Holdings
Item type Current library Call number URL Status Notes Barcode
eBook eBook Biblioteca "Angelicum" Pont. Univ. S.Tommaso d'Aquino Nuvola online online - DeGruyter (Browse shelf(Opens below)) Online access Not for loan (Accesso limitato) Accesso per gli utenti autorizzati / Access for authorized users (dgr)9780674034136

Frontmatter -- Contents -- Preface -- Acknowledgments -- Introduction -- 1 Scientific Representation -- 2 Models, Symmetry, and Convention -- 3 A New Appraisal of Symmetry -- 4 Simultaneity and Convention -- 5 Objectivity in the Twin Paradox -- 6 Localization in Quantum Theory -- Conclusion -- Appendix A -- Appendix B -- Notes -- Index

restricted access online access with authorization star

http://purl.org/coar/access_right/c_16ec

Most observers agree that modern physical theory attempts to provide objective representations of reality. However, the claim that these representations are based on conventional choices is viewed by many as a denial of their objectivity. As a result, objectivity and conventionality in representation are often framed as polar opposites.Offering a new appraisal of symmetry in modern physics, employing detailed case studies from relativity theory and quantum mechanics, Objectivity, Invariance, and Convention contends that the physical sciences, though dependent on convention, may produce objective representations of reality. Talal Debs and Michael Redhead show that both realists and constructivists have recognized important elements of an understanding of science that may not be contradictory.The position—“perspectival invariantism”—introduced in this book highlights the shortcomings of existing approaches to symmetry in physics, and, for the constructivist, demonstrates that a dependence on conventions in representation reaches into the domain of the most technical sciences. For the realist, it stands as evidence against the claim that conventionality must undermine objectivity. We can be committed to the existence of a single real ontology while maintaining a cultural view of science.

Mode of access: Internet via World Wide Web.

In English.

Description based on online resource; title from PDF title page (publisher's Web site, viewed 26. Aug 2024)