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Realism, underdetermination and string theory dualities

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Abstract

String theory promises to be able to provide us with a working theory of quantum gravity and a unified description of all fundamental forces. In string theory there are so called ‘dualities’; i.e. different theoretical formulations that are physically equivalent. In this article these dualities are investigated from a philosophical point of view. Semantic and epistemic questions relating to the problem of underdetermination of theories by data and the debate on realism concerning scientific theories are discussed. Depending on ones views on semantic issues and realism different interpretations are possible of the dualities.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Philosophy, Uppsala University, Box 627, 75126, Uppsala, Sweden

    Keizo Matsubara

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  1. Keizo Matsubara
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Correspondence to Keizo Matsubara.

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Matsubara, K. Realism, underdetermination and string theory dualities. Synthese 190, 471–489 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11229-011-0041-3

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