Speaker:
Jenner Barretto Bastos-Filho
The Conflict Between Action at a Distance and Field Theories
Date: 2010-03-06 Time: 07:00 - 09:00 US/Pacific (1 decade 4 years ago)
America/Los Angeles: 2010-03-06 07:00 (DST)
America/New York: 2010-03-06 10:00 (DST)
America/Sao Paulo: 2010-03-06 11:00
Europe/London: 2010-03-06 14:00
Asia/Colombo: 2010-03-06 19:30
Australia/Sydney: 2010-03-07 01:00 (DST)
Where: Online Video Conference
Description
In this talk we present some general aspects of both: action at a distance and field theories. Firstly, our emphasis will be given to the emblematic action at a distance example: the Newtonian gravitational theory. We consider how this theory embraces Galilean theory of local motions and Keplerian astronomy. It will be also discussed how theses relations provide deep problems on the nature of space. The electromagnetic theory, which is deeply rooted in field concepts, is presented as an emblematic theory that does not imply action at a distance. The implications of quantum mechanics are also taken into account. Finally, we discuss some aspects of dissatisfaction with the orthodox solution for the problem and we speculate on possible ways to solve them.
