Invariance, symmetry and rationality

Synthese 122 (3):337-357 (2000)
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Abstract

Using recent work by Forster and Sober, I identify circumstances in which appeals to symmetries in physical laws are rational with respect to the aim of predictive accuracy. I then consider a Bayesian account of symmetry, and argue that such an account faces serious problems explaining when and why appeals to symmetry would be rational.

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2004

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10.1023/a:1005048811720

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Citations of this work

Predictive accuracy as an achievable goal of science.Malcolm R. Forster - 2002 - Proceedings of the Philosophy of Science Association 2002 (3):S124-S134.
Predictive Accuracy as an Achievable Goal of Science.Malcolm R. Forster - 2002 - Philosophy of Science 69 (S3):S124-S134.

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References found in this work

Laws and symmetry.Bas C. Van Fraassen - 1989 - New York: Oxford University Press.
The Logic of Scientific Discovery.K. Popper - 1959 - British Journal for the Philosophy of Science 10 (37):55-57.
Symmetry in intertheory relations.M. L. G. Redhead - 1975 - Synthese 32 (1-2):77 - 112.

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