Einstein’s general theory of relativity is often presented as a significant turning point indicating a methodological shift in theoretical physics towards mathematically-based patterns of reasoning, and theories populated by abstract mathematical structures constructed using non-empirical guiding principles. This approach, which was advocated inter alia by Einstein himself from the mid 1920s,...
The principle that the dynamics of any open system should be derivable from the fundamental automorphic dynamics of a larger closed system represents what we will be calling, in this talk, the closed systems view. The closed systems view is deeply entrenched in physics. Standard quantum theory (ST) is no exception, and within it the closed systems view finds expression in the principle of...
Gauge symmetry is most successful at predicting the structure of all interactions among particles in the Standard Model. Yet, among the principles of QFT: causality, covariance, probability (Hilbert space), it stands out: it addresses exclusively non-observable entities (gauge potentials and Fermi fields). It may be doubted how “fundamental” such a principle is from an ontological point of...
In this paper I will analyse Cassirer’s conception of physical principles in order to argue that (i) they are universal, meaning that they do not entail any definite content belonging to a particular phenomenon or a specific region of physical domain, rather they refer to the algebraic operations according to which we decipher and understand classes of physical phenomena; (ii) physical...
I describe a new principle of relativity
involving the topology of space-time.
On its basis I derive the following:
1) the gauge group of nature must be SU(5)
2) there must be exactly 3 generations of fermions
3) after symmetry breaking the standard model is
the only possible low-energy theory in the chiral sector
4) The dark matter of the universe consists of
Dirac triplets, or at...
Physical principles are statements pertaining to physical theories, the possibilities they represent, and what can be inferred from them. One can classify principles in many cross-cutting ways, but doing so according to the principles’ scientific function can be particularly illuminating, illustrating the diversity of roles they can play, and how those roles can change over time. Using the...
