Lagrangian possibilities

Synthese 203 (4):1-22 (2024)
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Abstract

Natural modalities are often analysed from an abstract point of view where they are associated with putative laws of nature. However, the way possibilities are represented in physics is more complex. Lagrangian mechanics, for instance, involves two different layers of modalities: kinematical and dynamical possibilities. This paper examines the status of these two layers, both in the classical and quantum case. The quantum case is particularly problematic: we identify four possible interpretive options. The upshot is that a close inspection of the way possibilities are represented in physics could lead to new ways of thinking about natural modalities.

Author Profiles

Quentin Ruyant
Universidade de Lisboa
Alexandre Guay
Catholic University of Louvain

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