Gauge symmetries play a central role, both in the mathematical foundations as well as the conceptual construction of modern (particle) physics theories. However, it is yet unclear whether they form a necessary component of theories, or whether they can be eliminated. It is also unclear whether they are merely an auxiliary tool to simplify (and possibly localize) calculations or whether they contain independent information. Therefore their status, both in physics and philosophy of physics, remains to be fully clarified. This Element reviews the current state of affairs on both the philosophy and the physics side. In particular, it focuses on the circumstances in which the restriction of gauge theories to gauge invariant information on an observable level is warranted, using the Brout-Englert-Higgs theory as an example of particular current importance. Finally, the authors determine a set of yet to be answered questions to clarify the status of gauge symmetries.
| ISBN: | 9781009197229 |
| Publication date: | 3rd August 2023 |
| Author: | Philipp Berghofer |
| Publisher: | Cambridge University Press |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Pagination: | 114 pages |
| Series: | Elements in the Foundations of Contemporary Physics |
| Genres: |
Particle and high-energy physics Mathematical physics Philosophy of science |
Gauge symmetries play a central role, both in the mathematical foundations as well as the conceptual construction of modern (particle) physics theories. However, it is yet unclear whether they form a necessary component of theories, or whether they can be eliminated. It is also unclear whether they are merely an auxiliary tool to simplify (and possibly localize) calculations or whether they contain independent information. Therefore their status, both in physics and philosophy of physics, remains to be fully clarified. This Element reviews the current state of affairs on both the philosophy and the physics side. In particular, it focuses on the circumstances in which the restriction of gauge theories to gauge invariant information on an observable level is warranted, using the Brout-Englert-Higgs theory as an example of particular current importance. Finally, the authors determine a set of yet to be answered questions to clarify the status of gauge symmetries.
Gauge Symmetries, Symmetry Breaking, and Gauge-Invariant Approaches features in the following genres: Particle and high-energy physics, Mathematical physics, Philosophy of science
Gauge Symmetries, Symmetry Breaking, and Gauge-Invariant Approaches is available in Paperback
Gauge Symmetries, Symmetry Breaking, and Gauge-Invariant Approaches was written by Philipp Berghofer and published by Cambridge University Press
Gauge Symmetries, Symmetry Breaking, and Gauge-Invariant Approaches has 114 pages
Yes it is part of Elements in the Foundations of Contemporary Physics series
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