How to Move an Electromagnetic Field?

TL;DR

This paper challenges the standard realistic interpretation of classical electrodynamics by arguing that electromagnetic field strengths cannot uniquely define the field, highlighting an ontological incompleteness in the theory.

Contribution

It demonstrates that electrodynamic systems generally do not satisfy the relativity principle and proposes that electromagnetic field strengths are insufficient for field individuation.

Findings

Electrodynamic systems often lack a meaningful rest or motion state.

Electromagnetic field strengths are not sufficient to individuate fields.

Classical electrodynamics is ontologically incomplete.

Abstract

The special relativity principle presupposes that the states of the physical system concerned can be meaningfully characterized, at least locally, as such in which the system is at rest or in motion with some velocity relative to an arbitrary frame of reference. In the first part of the paper we show that electrodynamic systems, in general, do not satisfy this condition. In the second part of the paper we argue that exatly the same condition serves as a necessary condition for the persistence of an extended physical object. As a consequence, we argue, electromagnetic field strengths cannot be the individuating properties of electromagnetic field---contrary to the standard realistic interpretation of CED. In other words, CED is ontologically incomplete.