Minkowski spacetime and Lorentz invariance: The cart and the horse or two sides of a single coin?. (August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Acuña, Pablo
• Is Part Of: Studies in history and philosophy of modern physics. Volume 55(2016)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 12
• Publication Date: 2016-08
• Subjects: Lorentz invariance -- Minkowski spacetime -- Explanation -- Theories of principle -- Constructive theories -- Spacetime ontology; Physics -- Philosophy -- Periodicals; Physics -- History -- Periodicals; 530.01
• DOI: 10.1016/j.shpsb.2016.04.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1355-2198

Abstract

Abstract: Michel Janssen and Harvey Brown have driven a prominent recent debate concerning the direction of an alleged arrow of explanation between Minkowski spacetime and Lorentz invariance of dynamical laws in special relativity. In this article, I critically assess this controversy with the aim of clarifying the explanatory foundations of the theory. First, I show that two assumptions shared by the parties—that the dispute is independent of issues concerning spacetime ontology, and that there is an urgent need for a constructive interpretation of special relativity—are problematic and negatively affect the debate. Second, I argue that the whole discussion relies on a misleading conception of the link between Minkowski spacetime structure and Lorentz invariance, a misconception that in turn sheds more shadows than light on our understanding of the explanatory nature and power of Einstein׳s theory. I state that the arrow connecting Lorentz invariance and Minkowski spacetime is not explanatory and unidirectional, but analytic and bidirectional, and that this analytic arrow grounds the chronogeometric explanations of physical phenomena that special relativity offers. Highlights: Critically assesses the Janssen–Brown debate. Proposes an adequate conception of the relation between Lorentz invariance and Minkowski spacetime in special relativity. Clarifies the explanatory foundations and power of special relativity.