Symmetry arguments in physics

Peter Kosso

doi:10.1016/S0039-3681(99)00012-6

Symmetry arguments in physics

Peter Kosso

Philosophy

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

Physicists often appeal to the beauty of a theory as a way to judge its credibility, and the most prevalent component of this beauty is symmetry. This paper describes the role and structure of symmetry arguments in physics. It demonstrates that the epistemic authority of an appeal to symmetry is based on empirical evidence and is independent of any aesthetic judgment. Furthermore, symmetry in nature is not evidence of design. Just the opposite, symmetry indicates a lack of planning. It is about nature's disregard for details.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	479-492
Number of pages	14
Journal	Studies in History and Philosophy of Science
Volume	30
Issue number	3
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/S0039-3681(99)00012-6
State	Published - Sep 1999

ASJC Scopus subject areas

History
History and Philosophy of Science

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10.1016/S0039-3681(99)00012-6

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title = "Symmetry arguments in physics",

abstract = "Physicists often appeal to the beauty of a theory as a way to judge its credibility, and the most prevalent component of this beauty is symmetry. This paper describes the role and structure of symmetry arguments in physics. It demonstrates that the epistemic authority of an appeal to symmetry is based on empirical evidence and is independent of any aesthetic judgment. Furthermore, symmetry in nature is not evidence of design. Just the opposite, symmetry indicates a lack of planning. It is about nature's disregard for details.",

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AB - Physicists often appeal to the beauty of a theory as a way to judge its credibility, and the most prevalent component of this beauty is symmetry. This paper describes the role and structure of symmetry arguments in physics. It demonstrates that the epistemic authority of an appeal to symmetry is based on empirical evidence and is independent of any aesthetic judgment. Furthermore, symmetry in nature is not evidence of design. Just the opposite, symmetry indicates a lack of planning. It is about nature's disregard for details.

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Symmetry arguments in physics

Abstract

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