Understanding electromagnetism

Author: Belot, B

Source: British Journal for the Philosophy of Science, Volume 49, Number 4, December 1998 , pp. 531-555(25)

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Abstract:

It is often said that the Aharonov-Bohm effect shows that the vector potential enjoys more ontological significance than we previously realized. But how can a quantum-mechanical effect teach us something about the interpretation of Maxwell's theory - let alone about the ontological structure of the world - when both theories are false? I present a rational reconstruction of the interpretative repercussions of the Aharonov-Bohm effect, and suggest some morals for our conception of the interpretative enterprise.

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 1998-12-01

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For over fifty years The British Journal for the Philosophy of Science has published the best international work in the philosophy of science under a distinguished list of editors including A. C. Crombie, Mary Hesse, Imre Lakatos, D. H. Mellor and David Papineau.