Abstract
In this chapter we will attempt to use our understanding of the logical structure of the empirical claims in theories of mathematical physics -the account developed in the first five chapters — to clarify some other questions about these theories. First, we will attempt to say, as precisely as we can, just what a theory of mathematical physics is. That is, we will attempt to give some general, and precise characterization of theories of mathematical physics. Once we have developed this characterization, we will employ it to investigate the properties of two relations — equivalence and reduction — that are commonly alleged to hold between some theories of mathematical physics. In the course of this discussion, we will have occasion to examine the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations of particle mechanics as examples of theories of mathematical physics that are, in some sense, equivalent to the Newtonian formulation of particle mechanics. We shall also examine rigid body mechanics as an example of a theory which reduces to particle mechanics.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.
Buying options
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Learn about institutional subscriptionsPreview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1979 D. Reidel Publishing Company, Dordrecht, Holland
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Sneed, J.D. (1979). Identity, Equivalence and Reduction. In: The Logical Structure of Mathematical Physics. A Pallas Paperback, vol 35. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-9522-2_7
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-9522-2_7
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
Print ISBN: 978-90-277-1059-8
Online ISBN: 978-94-009-9522-2
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive