In this paper we argue that structural explanations are an effective way of explaining well-known relativistic phenomena like length contraction and time dilation, and then try to understand how this can be possible by looking at the literature on scientific models. In particular, we ask whether and how a model like that provided by Minkowski spacetime can be said to represent the physical world, in such a way that it can successfully explain physical phenomena structurally. We conclude by claiming that a partial isomorphic approach to scientific representation can supply an answer only if supplemented by a robust injection of pragmatic factors.

Dorato, M., Felline, L. (2010). Structural explanations in Minkowski spacetime: which account of models?. In Space, Time, and Spacetime - Physical and Philosophical Implications of Minkowski's Unification of Space and Time (pp. 193-207). BERLINO : Springer Berlin / Heidelberg [10.1007/978-3-642-13538-5_9].

Structural explanations in Minkowski spacetime: which account of models?

DORATO, Mauro;FELLINE, LAURA
2010-01-01

Abstract

In this paper we argue that structural explanations are an effective way of explaining well-known relativistic phenomena like length contraction and time dilation, and then try to understand how this can be possible by looking at the literature on scientific models. In particular, we ask whether and how a model like that provided by Minkowski spacetime can be said to represent the physical world, in such a way that it can successfully explain physical phenomena structurally. We conclude by claiming that a partial isomorphic approach to scientific representation can supply an answer only if supplemented by a robust injection of pragmatic factors.
2010
978-3-642-13537-8
Dorato, M., Felline, L. (2010). Structural explanations in Minkowski spacetime: which account of models?. In Space, Time, and Spacetime - Physical and Philosophical Implications of Minkowski's Unification of Space and Time (pp. 193-207). BERLINO : Springer Berlin / Heidelberg [10.1007/978-3-642-13538-5_9].
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11590/160511
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