On the Viability of Galilean Relationalism

Bibliographic Data

ID8397473
AuthorsJames P Binkoski (Dartmouth College, corresponding author)
Year2017
Volume68
Issue4
Pages1183-1204
Publication date2017-12-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueThe British Journal for the Philosophy of Science (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0007-0882 • E-ISSN: 1464-3537
PublisherOxford University Press (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1093/bjps/axw002
OpenAlexW2336406137
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited15

I explore the viability of a Galilean relational theory of space-time—a theory that includes a three-place collinearity relation among its stock of basic relations. Two formal results are established. First, I prove the existence of a class of dynamically possible models of Newtonian mechanics in which collinearity is uninstantiated. Second, I prove that the dynamical properties of Newtonian systems fail to supervene on their Galilean relations. On the basis of these two results, I argue that Galilean relational space-time is too weak of a structure to support a relational interpretation of classical mechanics. 1. Introduction2. Completeness3. Leibnizian Relationalism4. Galilean Relationalism5. Inverse-Cube Force Laws 5.1. Warm-up5.2. Model 1: Zero angular momentum5.3. Model 2: Non-zero angular momentum6. Supervenience7. Incompleteness8. Conclusion

Classical mechanics · Epistemology · Galilean · Physics · Advanced Mathematical Theories and Applications · Mathematics and Applications · Philosophy · Relativity and Gravitational Theory

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