dorsal/arxiv
View SchemaMinkowski space-time: a glorious non-entity
| Authors | Harvey R. Brown, Oliver Pooley |
|---|---|
| Categories | |
| ArXiv ID | physics/0403088 |
| URL | https://arxiv.org/abs/physics/0403088 |
Abstract
Einstein distinguished between ``principle'' and ``constructive'' theories in physics, and although he thought the latter were more explanatory than the former, he regarded his 1905 formulation of special relativity theory as a principle theory. Some have claimed that Minkowski space-time can serve as the deep structure within a constructive reformulation of special relativity. We criticise this claim, and argue that a satisfactory constructive version of special relativity must involve a dynamical treatment of the forces holding together the constitutive parts of moving rods and clocks.
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"abstract": "Einstein distinguished between ``principle\u0027\u0027 and ``constructive\u0027\u0027 theories in\nphysics, and although he thought the latter were more explanatory than the\nformer, he regarded his 1905 formulation of special relativity theory as a\nprinciple theory. Some have claimed that Minkowski space-time can serve as the\ndeep structure within a constructive reformulation of special relativity. We\ncriticise this claim, and argue that a satisfactory constructive version of\nspecial relativity must involve a dynamical treatment of the forces holding\ntogether the constitutive parts of moving rods and clocks.",
"arxiv_id": "physics/0403088",
"authors": [
"Harvey R. Brown",
"Oliver Pooley"
],
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"physics.hist-ph"
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"title": "Minkowski space-time: a glorious non-entity",
"url": "https://arxiv.org/abs/physics/0403088"
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