2022/03/05 by Antonio Vassallo, Vassallo, Antonio, Pedro Naranjo +3 · 1 citation
Computer Science · Engineering · Physics and Astronomy · #FOS: Physical sciences #History and Philosophy of Physics (physics.hist-ph) #Origins and Evolution of Life #Slime Mold and Myxomycetes Research #Topological and Geometric Data Analysis #physics.hist-ph
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2203.02773
28 pages. To appear in A. Vassallo (Ed.), The Foundations of Spacetime Physics: Philosophical Perspectives. Routledge
arxiv created 2022/03/05 · openalex publication_date 2022/03/05 · arxiv updated 2022/03/08 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
The goal of this essay is twofold. First, it provides a quick look at the foundations of modern relational mechanics by tracing its development from Julian Barbour and Bruno Bertotti's original ideas until present-day's pure shape dynamics. Secondly, it discusses the most appropriate metaphysics for pure shape dynamics, showing that relationalism is more of a nuanced thesis rather than an elusive one. The chapter ends with a brief assessment of the prospects of pure shape dynamics in light of quantum physics.