Year: 2022
Type: article
Abstract: We explore the significance of physical theories set in Euclidean spacetimes (i.e., theories with Riemannian rather than pseudo-Riemannian metrical structure). In particular, we explore (a) the use of these theories in contemporary physics at large, and (b) the sense in which there can be a notion of temporal evolution in these theories. Having achieved these tasks, we proceed to reflect on the lessons that one can take from such theories for Knox’s ‘inertial frame’ version of spacetime functionalism, which seems (on the face of it) to issue incorrect verdicts in the case of theories with Euclidean metrical structure.
Source: Synthese
Authors: James Read, Bryan Cheng
Institution: University of Oxford
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $2,990
Funder: John Templeton Foundation
OpenAlex ID: W4308346465