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Are gauge symmetry transformations observable?

Publication ,  Journal Article
Brading, K; Brown, HR
Published in: British Journal for the Philosophy of Science
January 1, 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 symmetries, re-analysing the cases of gauge symmetry and general covariance. © British Society for the Philosophy of Science 2004.

Duke Scholars

Published In

British Journal for the Philosophy of Science

DOI

ISSN

0007-0882

Publication Date

January 1, 2004

Volume

55

Issue

4

Start / End Page

645 / 665

Related Subject Headings

  • Science Studies
  • 5003 Philosophy
  • 5002 History and philosophy of specific fields
  • 2203 Philosophy
  • 2202 History and Philosophy of Specific Fields
 

Citation

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Brading, K., & Brown, H. R. (2004). Are gauge symmetry transformations observable? British Journal for the Philosophy of Science, 55(4), 645–665. https://doi.org/10.1093/bjps/55.4.645
Brading, K., and H. R. Brown. “Are gauge symmetry transformations observable?British Journal for the Philosophy of Science 55, no. 4 (January 1, 2004): 645–65. https://doi.org/10.1093/bjps/55.4.645.
Brading K, Brown HR. Are gauge symmetry transformations observable? British Journal for the Philosophy of Science. 2004 Jan 1;55(4):645–65.
Brading, K., and H. R. Brown. “Are gauge symmetry transformations observable?British Journal for the Philosophy of Science, vol. 55, no. 4, Jan. 2004, pp. 645–65. Scopus, doi:10.1093/bjps/55.4.645.
Brading K, Brown HR. Are gauge symmetry transformations observable? British Journal for the Philosophy of Science. 2004 Jan 1;55(4):645–665.
Journal cover image

Published In

British Journal for the Philosophy of Science

DOI

ISSN

0007-0882

Publication Date

January 1, 2004

Volume

55

Issue

4

Start / End Page

645 / 665

Related Subject Headings

  • Science Studies
  • 5003 Philosophy
  • 5002 History and philosophy of specific fields
  • 2203 Philosophy
  • 2202 History and Philosophy of Specific Fields