Inconsistency, Asymmetry, and Non-Locality: A Philosophical Investigation of Classical ElectrodynamicsMathias Frisch provides the first sustained philosophical discussion of conceptual problems in classical particle-field theories. Part of the book focuses on the problem of a satisfactory equation of motion for charged particles interacting with electromagnetic fields. As Frisch shows, the standard equation of motion results in a mathematically inconsistent theory, yet there is no fully consistent and conceptually unproblematic alternative theory. Frisch describes in detail how the search for a fundamental equation of motion is partly driven by pragmatic considerations (like simplicity and mathematical tractability) that can override the aim for full consistency. The book also offers a comprehensive review and criticism of both the physical and philosophical literature on the temporal asymmetry exhibited by electromagnetic radiation fields, including Einstein's discussion of the asymmetry and Wheeler and Feynman's influential absorber theory of radiation. Frisch argues that attempts to derive the asymmetry from thermodynamic or cosmological considerations fail and proposes that we should understand the asymmetry as due to a fundamental causal constraint. The book's overarching philosophical thesis is that standard philosophical accounts that strictly identify scientific theories with a mathematical formalism and a mapping function specifying the theory's ontology are inadequate, since they permit neither inconsistent yet genuinely successful theories nor thick causal notions to be part of fundamental physics. |
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absorber particles acceleration actual world advanced field appears argue argument arrow of radiation assumption asymmetry asymmetry of radiation asymptotic condition causal chapter charge distributions charged particles claim classical electrodynamics classical theory coherent consistent constraint counterfactuals defined derived determine Dirac’s theory discussion domain Einstein electromagnetic field electron energy conservation entropy equation of motion fact Feynman field associated field physically associated final conditions finite first free field fundamental future absorber Hogarth incoming fields inconsistent theory infinite influence initial conditions interactions interpretation Lewis Lewis’s light cone Lorentz force law Lorentz–Dirac equation Maxwell equations Maxwell–Lorentz miracle models Newton’s Newtonian nonlocal outgoing fields overdetermination past absorber phenomena point particle Popper possible worlds Poynting vector principle propagate quantum radiation fields radiation reaction refractive index relativistic representations retardation condition Rohrlich satisfies scientific theories solution specific standard sufficient symmetric temporal theory’s thermodynamic time-symmetric total field trajectory velocity Wheeler and Feynman’s worldline zero