C08007 - Symmetry Principles in Physics: Variations on a Theme These lectures will cover a number of topics related to the role of symmetry principles in physics. After introducing some basic definitions and distinctions, we will look at the changing role of the relativity principle from Galileo to Einstein (in special and general relativity). In particular we raise doubts as to the wisdom of treating Einstein's 1905 route to special relativity based on the relativity principle as a template for a fundamental reformulation of quantum theory, as some have recently proposed. We then examine the nature and meaning of Noether's 1918 theorems for global and local symmetries, and discuss some recent applications of Noether's "first" theorem in quantum mechanics and electromagnetism. We finish with two case studies: (i) the Galilean (boost) symmetry of quantum mechanics, and (ii) the problem of the arrow of time in statistical mechanics based on time-reversal invariant dynamics. Each lecture will be followed by a period for discussion. http://pirsa.org/podcast/C08007 Science 2008 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss en-ca Wed, 20 Aug 2008 10:15:33 -0400 sbradwell@perimeterinstitute.ca Wed, 20 Aug 2008 10:15:33 -0400 G 180 pirsa-admin@perimeterinstitute.ca Steve Bradwell's - Podcast Generator Lecture 1 Harvey Brown http://streamer.perimeterinstitute.ca/mp3/fc625cca-1f7d-49e8-9760-1d7b054aef1c.mp3 Science http://streamer.perimeterinstitute.ca/mp3/fc625cca-1f7d-49e8-9760-1d7b054aef1c.mp3 Mon, 14 Apr 2008 11:00:00 -0400 Lecture 1B Harvey Brown http://streamer.perimeterinstitute.ca/mp3/bc93712a-e311-4bf6-a78c-fd279418b06c.mp3 Science http://streamer.perimeterinstitute.ca/mp3/bc93712a-e311-4bf6-a78c-fd279418b06c.mp3 Mon, 14 Apr 2008 12:00:00 -0400 Lecture 2 Harvey Brown http://streamer.perimeterinstitute.ca/mp3/76da4960-8f3a-4982-9b21-18a76c91728f.mp3 Science http://streamer.perimeterinstitute.ca/mp3/76da4960-8f3a-4982-9b21-18a76c91728f.mp3 Mon, 21 Apr 2008 11:00:00 -0400 Lecture 3 Harvey Brown http://streamer.perimeterinstitute.ca/mp3/5e0da741-f803-4232-bfbb-c45e97ec172f.mp3 Science http://streamer.perimeterinstitute.ca/mp3/5e0da741-f803-4232-bfbb-c45e97ec172f.mp3 Mon, 28 Apr 2008 11:00:00 -0400 Lecture 4 Harvey Brown,Michele Arzano http://streamer.perimeterinstitute.ca/mp3/516a8051-97c0-4d59-9573-fc63d76efce8.mp3 Science http://streamer.perimeterinstitute.ca/mp3/516a8051-97c0-4d59-9573-fc63d76efce8.mp3 Mon, 05 May 2008 11:00:00 -0400 Lectyre 4B Harvey Brown http://streamer.perimeterinstitute.ca/mp3/c5482f1a-7246-4f10-8d48-2cee29bb4c31.mp3 Science http://streamer.perimeterinstitute.ca/mp3/c5482f1a-7246-4f10-8d48-2cee29bb4c31.mp3 Mon, 05 May 2008 12:00:00 -0400 Lecture 5 Harvey Brown http://streamer.perimeterinstitute.ca/mp3/32a340b3-3d91-4164-ac1a-a4aca8ae6300.mp3 Science http://streamer.perimeterinstitute.ca/mp3/32a340b3-3d91-4164-ac1a-a4aca8ae6300.mp3 Mon, 12 May 2008 11:00:00 -0400 Lecture 5B Harvey Brown http://streamer.perimeterinstitute.ca/mp3/3ededd17-2503-4b83-a3bf-9cea9de0269b.mp3 Science http://streamer.perimeterinstitute.ca/mp3/3ededd17-2503-4b83-a3bf-9cea9de0269b.mp3 Mon, 12 May 2008 12:00:00 -0400 Lecture 6 Harvey Brown http://streamer.perimeterinstitute.ca/mp3/b22f7dc5-6601-4c45-9057-c44639575ca5.mp3 Science http://streamer.perimeterinstitute.ca/mp3/b22f7dc5-6601-4c45-9057-c44639575ca5.mp3 Mon, 26 May 2008 11:00:00 -0400 Lecture 6B Harvey Brown http://streamer.perimeterinstitute.ca/mp3/3cdfefae-af2b-4c6a-b750-d03c9621cd1d.mp3 Science http://streamer.perimeterinstitute.ca/mp3/3cdfefae-af2b-4c6a-b750-d03c9621cd1d.mp3 Mon, 26 May 2008 12:00:00 -0400