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Read, James

The interpretation of string-theoretic dualities. (English) Zbl 1333.81356

Found. Phys. 46, No. 2, 209-235 (2016).
Summary: We analyse the possibility that string-theoretic dualities present a case of strong underdetermination of theory by evidence. Drawing on the parallel discussion of the hole argument, we assess the possible interpretations of dualities. We conclude that there exist at least two defensible interpretations on which dualities do not present a worrying case of underdetermination per se.

Cited in 11 Documents

MSC:

81T30 String and superstring theories; other extended objects (e.g., branes) in quantum field theory
81P05 General and philosophical questions in quantum theory

Keywords:

string theory; dualities; underdetermination; hole argument
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References:

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