MCMP – Philosophy of Science

Theory Reduction in Physics: A Model-Based, Dynamical Systems Approach


Listen Later

Joshua Rosaler (Pittsburgh) gives a talk at the MCMP conference "Reduction and Emergence in the Sciences" (14-16 November, 2013) titled "Theory Reduction in Physics: A Model-Based, Dynamical Systems Approach". Abstract: I elaborate an approach to reduction in physics that is distinct from the Nagelian and limit-based approaches that have been discussed most widely in the philosophical literature. This approach, which I call ‘Dynamical Systems (DS) Reduction’, is intended to apply to the reduction of theories whose models can be formulated as dynamical systems models. Importantly, this is the case with most physical theories, including classical mechanics, classical field theory, quantum mechanics and quantum field theory. After setting out the basic elements of DS reduction, I compare this approach with the limit-based and Nagelian approaches, arguing in each case that the DS approach does better. In particular, I highlight a number of significant parallels between the DS and Nagelian approaches, specifically relating to their use of special correspondences between theories (what are most commonly called ‘bridge laws’ in Nagelian approaches) to identify those elements of the low-level theory that emulate the behavior of certain elements in the high-level theory. Despite these similarities, I argue that DS reduction, in its use such correspondences (which I call ‘bridge maps’) does not face the ambiguities or difficulties that are often associated with Nagelian bridge laws: in particular, I argue that it avoids ambiguities as to whether these correspondences are to be regarded as conventions or empirically substantive claims, as well addressing concerns about multiple realisability.
...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

MCMP – Philosophy of ScienceBy MCMP Team

  • 4
  • 4
  • 4
  • 4
  • 4

4

1 ratings


More shows like MCMP – Philosophy of Science

View all
Geschichts- und Kunstwissenschaften - Open Access LMU by Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München

Geschichts- und Kunstwissenschaften - Open Access LMU

0 Listeners

Jura - Open Access LMU - Teil 02/02 by Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München

Jura - Open Access LMU - Teil 02/02

0 Listeners

MCMP – Mathematical Philosophy (Archive 2011/12) by MCMP Team

MCMP – Mathematical Philosophy (Archive 2011/12)

6 Listeners

Forum Kunstgeschichte Italiens (LMU) by Prof. Dr. Ulrich Pfisterer, Dr. Matteo Burioni

Forum Kunstgeschichte Italiens (LMU)

0 Listeners

MCMP – Epistemology by MCMP Team

MCMP – Epistemology

0 Listeners

MCMP – Philosophy of Mathematics by MCMP Team

MCMP – Philosophy of Mathematics

2 Listeners

MCMP – Philosophy of Physics by MCMP Team

MCMP – Philosophy of Physics

3 Listeners

Center for Advanced Studies (CAS) Research Focus Evolutionary Biology (LMU) - HD by Center for Advanced Studies (CAS)

Center for Advanced Studies (CAS) Research Focus Evolutionary Biology (LMU) - HD

0 Listeners

Center for Advanced Studies (CAS) Research Focus Global Capitalism (LMU) - HD by Center for Advanced Studies (CAS)

Center for Advanced Studies (CAS) Research Focus Global Capitalism (LMU) - HD

0 Listeners

Women Thinkers in Antiquity and the Middle Ages - SD by Peter Adamson

Women Thinkers in Antiquity and the Middle Ages - SD

0 Listeners