PhilSci Archive

Towards a geometrical understanding of the CPT theorem

Greaves, Hilary (2009) Towards a geometrical understanding of the CPT theorem. [Preprint]

This is the latest version of this item.

[img]
Preview
PDF
tgu_v6.pdf

Download (377kB)

Abstract

The CPT theorem of quantum field theory states that any relativistic (Lorentz-invariant) quantum field theory must also be invariant under CPT, the composition of charge conjugation, parity reversal and time reversal. This paper sketches a puzzle that seems to arise when one puts the existence of this sort of theorem alongside a standard way of thinking about symmetries, according to which spacetime symmetries (at any rate) are associated with features of the spacetime structure. The puzzle is, roughly, that the existence of a CPT theorem seems to show that it is not possible for a well-formulated theory that does not make use of a preferred frame or foliation to make use of a temporal orientation. Since a manifold with only a Lorentzian metric can be temporally orientable (capable of admitting a temporal orientation), this seems to be an odd sort of necessary connection between distinct existences. The paper then suggests a solution to the puzzle: it is suggested that the CPT theorem arises because temporal orientation is unlike other pieces of spacetime structure, in that one cannot represent it by a tensor field. To avoid irrelevant technical details, the discussion is carried out in the setting of classical field theory, using a little-known classical analog of the CPT theorem.


Export/Citation: EndNote | BibTeX | Dublin Core | ASCII/Text Citation (Chicago) | HTML Citation | OpenURL
Social Networking:
Share |

Item Type: Preprint
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Greaves, Hilary
Keywords: CPT, PCT, PTC, TCP, symmetry, field theory
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics > Symmetries/Invariances
Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Field Theory
Depositing User: Hilary Greaves
Date Deposited: 20 Apr 2009
Last Modified: 07 Oct 2010 15:17
Item ID: 4566
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics > Symmetries/Invariances
Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Field Theory
Date: February 2009
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/4566

Available Versions of this Item

Monthly Views for the past 3 years

Monthly Downloads for the past 3 years

Plum Analytics

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item