Fresnel's laws, ceteris paribus.

Area of Science:

• Philosophy of Science
• History of Physics
• Optics

Background:

• Structural realism uses Fresnel's Laws of optics to argue for scientific continuity despite theory change.
• Historical accounts of Fresnel's Laws supporting structural realism are often distorted, particularly regarding Maxwell's views on the aether and electromagnetic fields.
• Debates on scientific realism often overlook the nuanced history of scientific laws and their persistence through ontological shifts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To correct the historical record concerning Fresnel's Laws of optics and their role in debates about structural realism.
• To trace the trajectory of Fresnel's Laws across significant ontological changes in physics, extending beyond Einstein's relativity.
• To analyze the philosophical implications of a more accurate history of Fresnel's Laws and their connection to ceteris paribus clauses.

Main Methods:

• Historical analysis of Fresnel's Laws of optics, correcting common misinterpretations.
• Philosophical examination of scientific continuity and structural realism.
• Investigation of ceteris paribus laws in the context of scientific theory change.

Main Results:

• The historical narrative supporting structural realism based on Fresnel's Laws is significantly distorted.
• Maxwell and his followers did not abandon the aether before Einstein's 1905 work; claims to the contrary are indefensible.
• Fresnel's Laws can be traced through modern physics and nonlinear optics, demonstrating continuity across ontological shifts.

Conclusions:

• A more accurate history of Fresnel's Laws supports structural realism by demonstrating scientific continuity.
• Structuralists must incorporate ceteris paribus laws into their metaphysics to fully utilize the historical continuity of laws like Fresnel's.
• Realists appealing to historical continuity must acknowledge and integrate the role of ceteris paribus clauses in their arguments against anti-realism.