Measuring Absolute Velocity

Middleton, Ben; Ramírez, Sebastián Murgueitio

doi:10.1080/00048402.2020.1803938

Cited by 9 publications

(20 citation statements)

References 4 publications

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“…Recently, Middleton and Murgueitio Ramírez (2020) presented an argument that challenges the orthodox position. 9…”

Section: A Counter-example With a Counterfactualmentioning

confidence: 99%

Symmetries and Measurements

Murgueitio Ramírez

2024

Philosophy Compass

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According to the orthodox view, one can appeal to the symmetries of a theory in order to show that it is impossible to measure the properties that are not invariant under such symmetries. For example, it is widely believed that the fact that boosts are symmetries of Newtonian mechanics entails that it is impossible to measure states of absolute motion in a Newtonian world (these states vary under boosts). This paper offers an overview of the various ways by which philosophers have spelled out the connection between the symmetries of a theory and the alleged impossibility of measuring some properties (the variant ones). The paper will use the case of absolute motion as a case study, and will discuss a recent unorthodox view according to which this kind of motion can actually be measured in Newtonian mechanics. The paper ends by considering some avenues by which the discussion can be further developed.

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“…Recently, Middleton and Murgueitio Ramírez (2020) presented an argument that challenges the orthodox position. 9…”

Section: A Counter-example With a Counterfactualmentioning

confidence: 99%

Symmetries and Measurements

Murgueitio Ramírez

2024

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“…Not all authors agree that proposals along these lines are defective, however: seeMiddleton and Ramírez (2021) for a defence of the claim that absolute velocity is measurable in Newtonian mechanics (and Jacobs (forthcoming) for a response).of use, available at https://www.cambridge.org/core/terms. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108914581 Downloaded from https://www.cambridge.org/core.…”

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confidence: 99%

Structure and Equivalence

Dewar

2022

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This Element explores what it means for two theories in physics to be equivalent (or inequivalent), and what lessons can be drawn about their structure as a result. It does so through a twofold approach. On the one hand, it provides a synoptic overview of the logical tools that have been employed in recent philosophy of physics to explore these topics: definition, translation, Ramsey sentences, and category theory. On the other, it provides a detailed case study of how these ideas may be applied to understand the dynamical and spatiotemporal structure of Newtonian mechanics - in particular, in light of the symmetries of Newtonian theory. In so doing, it brings together a great deal of exciting recent work in the literature, and is sure to be a valuable companion for all those interested in these topics.

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“…The argument that variant quantities are undetectable is found inRoberts (2008),Dasgupta (2016) and Middleton and Murgueitio Ramírez (2020). are…”

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“…For a recent discussion, seeGryb and Sloan (2021).20 The argument that variant quantities are undetectable is found inRoberts (2008),Dasgupta (2016), andMartens (2021) Middleton and Murgueitio Ramírez (2021). are skeptical, but see Jacobs (2022a) for a response.21 It is common to refer to the primitive identities of properties as quiddities, but the term is used both for determinables, such as mass or charge, and determinates, such as the property of being 5 kg.…”

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The Nature of a Constant of Nature: The Case of G

Jacobs¹

2022

Philos. sci.

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Physics presents us with a symphony of natural constants: G, ħ, c, etc. Up to this point, constants have received comparatively little philosophical attention. In this paper I provide an account of dimensionful constants, in particular the gravitational constant. I propose that they represent inter-quantity structure in the form of relations between quantities with different dimensions. I use this account of G to settle a debate over whether mass scalings are symmetries of Newtonian Gravitation. I argue that they are not, but only if we interpret mass anti-quidditistically. This is analogous to anti-haecceitism in the presence of spacetime symmetries.

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Measuring Absolute Velocity

Cited by 9 publications

References 4 publications

Symmetries and Measurements

Symmetries and Measurements

Structure and Equivalence

The Nature of a Constant of Nature: The Case of G

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