Roberts, Bryan W. (2009) Group Structural Realism.
Abstract
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 paper argues that, once a precise characterization of structure is given, the 'metaphysical hierarchy' on which group structural realism rests is seen to be overly extravagant and ultimately unmotivated.
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 paper argues that, once a precise characterization of structure is given, the 'metaphysical hierarchy' on which group structural realism rests is seen to be overly extravagant and ultimately unmotivated.
Keywords: structural realism, group theory, quantum mechanics, realism
Subjects: General Issues: Theory Change
Specific Sciences: Physics
General Issues: Realism/Anti-realism
Specific Sciences: Physics: Quantum Mechanics
ID Code: 4733
Deposited By: Roberts, Bryan
Deposited On: 27 June 2009
Additional Information: Forthcoming in British Journal for the Philosophy of Science
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