
Contents
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1 Introduction 1 Introduction
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2 Two possible explanations of the Lorentz transformations 2 Two possible explanations of the Lorentz transformations
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3 How some laws can transcend others 3 How some laws can transcend others
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4 Another application of this approach: to explanations of Newton’s first law by classical physics 4 Another application of this approach: to explanations of Newton’s first law by classical physics
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5 Conclusion 5 Conclusion
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Appendix Appendix
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4 How to explain the Lorentz transformations
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Published:June 2013
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Abstract
There are rival views regarding why the Lorentz transformations hold. To understand what would make one or another of these views correct, we must understand what it would be for the principle of relativity or a fact about spacetime geometry to ‘transcend’ the various force laws. Having cashed out this notion by appealing to subjunctive conditionals and their relation to natural laws, we will see what it would take for the principle of relativity or a fact about spacetime geometry to be explanatorily prior to the Lorentz transformations. It will be argued that even if the Lorentz transformations are explained by the force laws, the transformations could additionally be explained by the principle of relativity and facts about spacetime geometry. Crucially, this latter explanation would then explain something about the transformations’ status as laws that cannot be explained dynamically.
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