Renormalization group methods: Which kind of explanation?. (October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Castellani, Elena; Margoni, Emilia
• Is Part Of: Studies in history and philosophy of science. Volume 95(2022)
• Page Start: 158
• Page End: 166
• Publication Date: 2022-10
• Subjects: Renormalization group -- Effective theories -- Critical phenomena -- Non-causal explanation -- Mathematical explanation; Science -- History -- Periodicals; Science -- Philosophy -- Periodicals; 509
• DOI: 10.1016/j.shpsa.2022.07.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0039-3681

Abstract

Abstract: Renormalization and Renormalization Group (RG) have proven to be very powerful tools in contemporary physics, with a decisive influence on how to conceive of key physical aspects, including theories themselves. While they can be tackled from a variety of standpoints, this paper focuses on a specific philosophical issue, that is, which kind of explanation can be provided by means of RG methods. After a short, historical overview to set out the physical context, we scrutinize recent debates on the topic, with a particular focus on Morrison's seminal work. With respect to her account, where RG explanation is portrayed as mathematical, non-reductive, and non-causal, our focus is on the first aspect. Our claim is that RG theory's explanatory role cannot reside exclusively in its mathematical character, independently from a physical interpretation: mathematical and physical features intersect in a highly non-trivial way to provide an explanation of physical phenomena.