Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

Frisch, Muller, and Belot on an Inconsistency in Classical Electrodynamics

Vickers, P

Frisch, Muller, and Belot on an Inconsistency in Classical Electrodynamics Thumbnail


Authors



Abstract

This paper follows up a debate as to whether classical electrodynamics is inconsistent. Mathias Frisch makes the claim in Inconsistency, Asymmetry and Non-Locality ([2005]), but this has been quickly countered by F. A. Muller ([2007]) and Gordon Belot ([2007]). Here I argue that both Muller and Belot fail to connect with the background assumptions that support Frisch's claim. Responding to Belot I explicate Frisch's position in more detail, before providing my own criticisms. Correcting Frisch's position, I find that I can present the theory in a way both authors can agree upon. Differences then manifest themselves purely within the reasoning methods employed.

Citation

Vickers, P. (2008). Frisch, Muller, and Belot on an Inconsistency in Classical Electrodynamics. The British Journal for the Philosophy of Science, 59(4), 767-792. https://doi.org/10.1093/bjps/axn039

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Dec 1, 2008
Deposit Date Aug 26, 2011
Publicly Available Date Feb 12, 2013
Journal The British Journal for the Philosophy of Science
Print ISSN 0007-0882
Electronic ISSN 1464-3537
Publisher The University of Chicago Press
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 59
Issue 4
Pages 767-792
DOI https://doi.org/10.1093/bjps/axn039

Files

Accepted Journal Article (385 Kb)
PDF

Copyright Statement
This is a pre-copy-editing author-produced PDF of an article accepted for publication in British journal for the philosophy of science following peer review. The definitive publisher-authenticated version Vickers, P. (2008) 'Frisch, Muller, and Belot on an inconsistency in classical electrodynamics.', British journal for the philosophy of science., 59 (4). pp. 767-792 is available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/bjps/axn039







You might also like



Downloadable Citations