Acta Structuralica

international journal for structuralist research

Book | Chapter

181053

A view of the symbolic structure of modern physics

Ion-Olimpiu Stamatescu

pp. 389-402

Abstract

This essay discusses the character of the concepts used in modern physical theories and the symbolic structure they define. Are these symbols interchangeable free constructs and the theories artificial devices with in and out slots to accomodate observations? Are the symbols "read" up - that is, interpreted - from nature and are the physical theories directly referring to a final reality? Did our reason by itself fix immovable rules to build up these concepts? None of the "fundamentalist" stances hereto appears supported by the scientific process of developing physical knowledge. A more differentiate approach is suggested, which could offer for these questions a sustainable, less strong but may be more fruitful point of view.

Publication details

Published in:

Bitbol Michel, Kerszberg Pierre, Petitot Jean (2009) Constituting objectivity: transcendental perspectives on modern physics. Dordrecht, Springer.

Pages: 389-402

DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4020-9510-8_24

Full citation:

Stamatescu Ion-Olimpiu (2009) „A view of the symbolic structure of modern physics“, In: M. Bitbol, P. Kerszberg & J. Petitot (eds.), Constituting objectivity, Dordrecht, Springer, 389–402.