Gauge and Ghosts
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 8397244 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Guy Hetzroni (0000-0002-4402-8713, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2021 |
| Volume | 72 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pages | 773-796 |
| Publication date | 2021-09-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | The British Journal for the Philosophy of Science (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0007-0882 • E-ISSN: 1464-3537 |
| Publisher | Oxford University Press (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1093/bjps/axz021 |
| OpenAlex | W2947738429 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 6 |
| References cited | 19 |
This article suggests a fresh look at gauge symmetries, with the aim of drawing a clear line between the a priori theoretical considerations involved, and some methodological and empirical non-deductive aspects that are often overlooked. The gauge argument is primarily based on a general symmetry principle expressing the idea that a change of mathematical representation should not change the form of the dynamical law. In addition, the ampliative part of the argument is based on the introduction of new degrees of freedom into the theory according to a methodological principle that is formulated here in terms of correspondence between passive and active transformations. To demonstrate how the two kinds of considerations work together in a concrete context, I begin by considering spatial symmetries in mechanics. I suggest understanding Mach’s principle as a similar combination of theoretical, methodological and empirical considerations, and demonstrate the claim with a simple toy model. I then examine gauge symmetries as a manifestation of the two principles in a quantum context. I further show that in all of these cases the relational nature of physically significant quantities can explain the relevance of the symmetry principle and the way the methodology is applied. In the quantum context, the relevant relational variables are quantum phases.
Argument (complex analysis) · Context (archaeology) · Epistemology · Gauge theory · Physics · Relevance (law) · Representation (politics) · Simple (philosophy) · Symmetry (geometry) · Theoretical physics · Advanced Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics · Computer Science · Law · Mathematical Physics · Mathematics · Philosophy · Philosophy and History of Science · Quantum Mechanics and Applications
A metaphysics for contemporary field theories
Gauge Principles, Gauge Arguments and the Logic of Nature
The Gauge Argument
World Enough and Space-Time
Empirical Consequences of Symmetries
The Empirical Status of Symmetries in Physics
Symmetry, Empirical Equivalence, and Identity
Understanding Electromagnetism
Are Gauge Symmetry Transformations Observable
Perfect Symmetries
| Unique citing works | 6 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 1,2 |
| Citation span | 2021 - 2025 (5) |
| Citation velocity | recent |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 6 |