Questions tagged [ontology]
13 questions
16
votes
6 answers
Are field theories necessary to make accurate predictions or do they just make calculations easier?
For example, if we really wanted to, could we, at least in principle, model electromagnetism just considering interactions between charged particles without using the EM field? That is, is it possible to predict all the same experimental results…
Mikayla Eckel Cifrese
- 2,433
10
votes
8 answers
Is there a true one-dimensional object?
I'm reviewing and expanding my knowledge of dimensions.
We live in three spatial dimensions but, apart from volume, we also have the concept of surface and curve. However, if you write a line on paper, it won't be a true two-dimensional object since…
jmazaredo
- 243
6
votes
4 answers
Is there anything physically infinite?
I can't think of a single thing that could be infinite.
Because the universe is expanding, isn't it? But there is an ever-changing barrier, so why could there be anything infinite, both hypothetically and realistically?
user24357
3
votes
1 answer
Schreiber/Sati Hypothesis H and emergence of spacetime
Good day,
I am a lay person in this field So i am very sorry if my question Is dumb.
I am wondering whether the Hypothesis H formulated by Schreiber and Sati stating that C-field is charge quantized in J-twisted Cohomotopy theory doesnt assume…
Pan Mrož
- 293
3
votes
1 answer
Assuming MWI of QM, how can we describe / constrain the likely range of existing “worlds”?
Assumptions:
This question assumes that we take the Many Worlds Interpretation of quantum mechanics as ontologically true. I use “worlds” as a description of quantum systems that have decohered to the point where interaction is vanishingly…
2
votes
0 answers
How are realism, determinism, counter factual definiteness and non-contextuality related?
I have come across these terms when trying to understand the EPR paradox and its resolution. I have found that they are often used interchangeably, but when I look up their official definitions, I find that they are referring to different but…
UVcatastrophe
- 153
2
votes
1 answer
Defining Charge and Current Density Through Maxwell's Equations?
Can Maxwell's equations be used to define charge and current density? For example, we have
$$
\nabla \cdot \vec{E} = 4\pi \rho
$$
Can we rewrite this as
$$
\rho = \frac{1}{4\pi} \nabla \cdot \vec{E}
$$
and say that charge is nothing but…
Charles Hudgins
- 1,600
- 9
- 16
2
votes
6 answers
Why does the double slit experiment not prove that the wave function is ontological?
To me, it seems that the interference pattern is the evidence that the wave function is a physical aspect of reality, but people still seem to be trying to decide whether or not it's ontological or just a mathematical construct.
Why is the double…
hermancain
- 171
1
vote
1 answer
Does the current form of non-perturbative QFT make all the same predictions as perturbative QFT, or is it incomplete?
For context, I watched PBS Spacetime's video on virtual particles (link goes to relevant timestamp) where they say that virtual particles aren't mathematically necessary, because the lattice version of nonperturbative QFT doesn't use them, and yet…
Mikayla Eckel Cifrese
- 2,433
1
vote
0 answers
What are the ontological prerequisites to make Lagrangian theories defineable?
This question is a little strange, so stay with me. I understand that some physical theories apparently cannot be defined in terms of Lagrangians (although these generally are not fundamental theories), whereas some can. But this got me thinking…
user6873235
- 483
-2
votes
1 answer
Karen Barad's theory of agential realism - does it stand on solid scientific ground or is it quantum quackery?
Before you vote to close this question as off-topic, please note that while my interest in the topic lies on the metaphysical guesswork, my question here is specifically about Karen Barad's scientific work as theoretical physicist and their…
matthias_buehlmann
- 431
- 2
- 13
-3
votes
2 answers
Guessing in physics
“In general, we look for a new law by the following process. First, we guess it. Then we compute the consequences of the guess, to see what, if this is right, if this law we guess is right, to see what it would imply, and then we compare the…
quanity
- 435