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103Aspects of objectivity in quantum mechanicsIn Jeremy Butterfield & Constantine Pagonis (eds.), From Physics to Philosophy, Cambridge University Press. pp. 45--70. 1999.The purpose of the paper is to explore different aspects of the covariance of non-relativistic quantum mechanics. First, doubts are expressed concerning the claim that gauge fields can be 'generated' by way of imposition of gauge covariance of the single-particle wave equation. Then a brief review is given of Galilean covariance in the general case of external fields, and the connection between Galilean boosts and gauge transformations. Under time-dependent translations the geometric phase assoc…Read more
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35A critique of the disturbance theory of indeterminacy in quantum mechanicsFoundations of Physics 11 (1-2): 1-20. 1981.Heisenberg'sgendanken experiments in quantum mechanics have given rise to a widespread belief that the indeterminacy relations holding for the variables of a quantal system can be explained quasiclassically in terms of a disturbance suffered by the system in interaction with a quantal measurement, or state preparation, agent. There are a number of criticisms of this doctrine in the literature, which are critically examined in this article and found to be ininconclusive, the chief error being the…Read more
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Symmetries and Noether's theoremsIn Katherine Brading & Elena Castellani (eds.), Symmetries in Physics: Philosophical Reflections, Cambridge University Press. pp. 89. 2002.
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197Are gauge symmetry transformations observable?British Journal for the Philosophy of Science 55 (4): 645-665. 2004.In a recent paper in this journal, Kosso ([2000]) discussed the observational status of continuous symmetries of physics. While we are in broad agreement with his approach, we disagree with his analysis. In the discussion of the status of gauge symmetry, a set of examples offered by 't Hooft ([1980]) has influenced several philosophers, including Kosso; in all cases the interpretation of the examples is mistaken. In this paper, we present our preferred approach to the empirical significance of s…Read more
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19General covariance from the perspective of Noether's TheoremsDiálogos. Revista de Filosofía de la Universidad de Puerto Rico 37 (79): 59-86. 2002.Analysis of Emmy Noether's 1918 theorems provides an illuminating method for testing the consequences of coordinate generality, and for exploring what else must be added to this requirement in order to give general covariance its far-reaching physical significance. The discussion takes us through Noether's first and second theorems, and then a third related theorem due originally to F. Klein. Contact will also be made with the contributions of, principally, J.L. Anderson, A. Trautman, P.A.M. Dir…Read more
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118On the reality of space-time geometry and the wavefunctionFoundations of Physics 25 (2): 349--60. 1995.The action-reaction principle (AR) is examined in three contexts: (1) the inertial-gravitational interaction between a particle and space-time geometry, (2) protective observation of an extended wave function of a single particle, and (3) the causal-stochastic or Bohm interpretation of quantum mechanics. A new criterion of reality is formulated using the AR principle. This criterion implies that the wave function of a single particle is real and justifies in the Bohm interpretation the dual onto…Read more
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132A. Elitzur, S. Dolev and N. Kolenda, Editors, Quo Vadis Quantum Mechanics?, Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg, New York (2005) ISBN 3-540-22188-3 (61 figs., 421pp., $ 59.95, Hardcover) (review)Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part B: Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics 38 (4): 979-982. 2007.
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University of OxfordRetired faculty
Oxford, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Areas of Specialization
Philosophy of Physics, General Works |