Formal ontology of space, time, and physical entities in classical mechanics

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Bittner, Thomas

Affiliations: Department of Philosophy, State University of New York at Buffalo, 135 Park Hall, Buffalo, NY, 14260, USA. E-mail: bittner3@buffalo.edu

Note: [] Accepted by: Stefano Borgo

Abstract: Classical (i.e., non-quantum) mechanics is the foundation of many models of dynamical physical phenomena. As such those models inherit the ontological commitments inherent in the underlying physics. Therefore, building an ontology of dynamic phenomena requires a clear understanding of the ontology of classical mechanics. The axiomatic theory presented here in conjunction with the specification of its intended interpretation in the underlying physics aim to provide a formal framework that is general enough to formalize the ontological commitments of classical mechanics in a way that is consistent with various underlying spacetime ontologies.

Keywords: Ontology of spacetime, classical mechanics, differential geometry, modal logic, Isabelle/HOL

DOI: 10.3233/AO-180195

Journal: Applied Ontology, vol. 13, no. 2, pp. 135-179, 2018