Symmetries in Physics: Philosophical Reflections

Description

Symmetry considerations dominate modern fundamental physics, both in quantum theory and in relativity. This book brings together current philosophical discussions of symmetry in physics, highlighting the main issues and controversies, and providing an entry into the subject for both physicists and philosophers. It covers topical issues such as the significance of gauge symmetry, particle identity in quantum theory, how to make sense of parity violation, the role of symmetry-breaking, the empirical status of symmetry principles, and so forth, along with more traditional problems in the philosophy of science. These include the status of the laws of nature, the relationships between mathematics, physical theory, and the world, and the extent to which mathematics dictates physics. A valuable reference for students and researchers, it will also be of interest to those studying the foundations of physics, philosophy of physics and philosophy of science.

Katherine Brading is Junior Research Fellow in the Philosophy of Science at the University of Oxford. Elena Castellani is a researcher in the Department of Philosophy at the University of Florence.

'The authors represent an impressive array of prominent names in the philosophy of physics at the start of the 21st century. This work deserves to be in the libraries of all institutions of higher learning that offer graduate level courses in physics or philosophy, and on the shelves of all researchers on the philosophy of physics. Careful and thoughtful editing has resulted in an attractive format, free of the typographical errors and other infelicities that currently so often mar books of this type. Good bibliographies and a detailed and competent index further extend its usefulness.' Metascience '... will be useful not only as a reference work for researchers, but also as a valuable resource for a graduate course in the foundations and philosophy of modern physics.' Contemporary Physics 'This expert collection of articles on many aspects of symmetries in physics is much needed and long overdue. I found the collection timely, informative and stimulating. Many of the contributions are deft and elegant in technical treatment and clear and thoughtful in philosophical analysis. I recommend this volume to anyone who is seriously interested in philosophical issues on symmetries in physics.' International Studies in the Philosophy of Science 'I can warmly recommend this excellent collection for which the editors have assembled an impressive all-star crew of contributors. Congratulations for a job well done!' Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics