Frisch, Muller, and Belot on an inconsistency in classical electrodynamics
British Journal for the Philosophy of Science 59 (4):767-792 (2008)
Abstract
This paper follows up a debate as to whether classical electrodynamics is inconsistent. Mathias Frisch makes the claim in Inconsistency, Asymmetry and Non-Locality ([2005]), but this has been quickly countered by F. A. Muller ([2007]) and Gordon Belot ([2007]). Here I argue that both Muller and Belot fail to connect with the background assumptions that support Frisch's claim. Responding to Belot I explicate Frisch's position in more detail, before providing my own criticisms. Correcting Frisch's position, I find that I can present the theory in a way both authors can agree upon. Differences then manifest themselves purely within the reasoning methods employed. Introduction Features of the Theory Frisch's Inconsistency Claim Defending Frisch 4.1 Muller 4.2 Belot Difficulties for Frisch and a Compromise Conclusion CiteULike Connotea Del.icio.us What's this?Author's Profile
DOI
10.1093/bjps/axn039
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Citations of this work
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One phenomenon, many models: Inconsistency and complementarity.Margaret Morrison - 2011 - Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part A 42 (2):342-351.
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References found in this work
The Semantic Conception of Theories and Scientific Realism.Frederick Suppe - 1989 - University of Illinois Press.
Inconsistency, Asymmetry and Non Locality: A Philosophical Investigation of Classical Electrodynamics.Mathias Frisch - 2005 - Oxford University Press.
Is classical electrodynamics an inconsistent theory?Gordon Belot - 2007 - Canadian Journal of Philosophy 37 (2):263-282.
Inconsistency in classical electrodynamics?F. A. Muller - 2007 - Philosophy of Science 74 (2):253-277.
Theories between theories: Asymptotic limiting intertheoretic relations.Robert W. Batterman - 1995 - Synthese 103 (2):171 - 201.