Group Structural Realism

Dados Bibliográficos

ID8397227
AutoresB W Roberts (0000-0003-0548-1280, University of Pittsburgh, autor correspondente)
Ano2011
Volume62
Fascículo1
Páginas47-69
Data de publicação2011-03-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessNão
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoThe British Journal for the Philosophy of Science (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0007-0882 • E-ISSN: 1464-3537
EditoraOxford University Press (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1093/bjps/axq009
OpenAlexW1999921799
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas17
Referências citadas19

We present a precise form of structural realism, called group structural realism, which identifies ‘structure’ in quantum theory with symmetry groups. However, working out the details of this view actually illuminates a major problem for structural realism; namely, a structure can itself have structure. This article argues that, once a precise characterization of structure is given, the ‘metaphysical hierarchy’ on which group structural realism rests is overly extravagant and ultimately unmotivated. 1 Introduction 2 What is (Group) Structural Realism? 2.1 The basic picture 2.2 Wigner’s legacy 2.3 Accounting for theory change 3 The ‘Higher Structures’ Problem 3.1 The structure of a structure 3.2 Higher structures and theory change 3.3 Any way out for the groupies? 3.3.1 Chopping down the tower 3.3.2 Playing favorites 3.3.3 Adopting the whole shebang 4 Conclusion Appendix

Critical realism (philosophy of perception) · Epistemology · Group (periodic table) · Hierarchy · Metaphysics · Physics · Political science · Quantum mechanics · Realism · Law · Philosophy · Philosophy and History of Science · Philosophy, Science, and History · Quantum Mechanics and Applications