Relational structures of fundamental theories

TL;DR

This paper explores the relational nature of fundamental theories like general relativity and quantum mechanics, emphasizing how they challenge absolute notions and share a common conceptual movement.

Contribution

It clarifies the specific sense of relationality in these theories and argues that their relational aspects reflect a unified progression in physical theory development.

Findings

Relationality is a key feature of both general relativity and quantum mechanics.

Theories evolve through a movement emphasizing relational concepts.

Relational aspects unify different fundamental theories.

Abstract

General relativity and quantum mechanics have both revealed the relativity of certain notions that were previously thought to be absolute. I clarify the precise sense in which these theories are relational, and I argue that the various aspects of relationality pertain to the same movement in the progress of physical theories.