On the symmetries of electrodynamic interactions

Abstract

The development of relational electromagnetism after Gauss appears to stop around 1870. Maxwell recognised relational electromagnetism as mathematically equivalent to his own formulae and called for an explanation of why so different conceptions have such a large part in common. We reconstruct relational electromagnetism guided by the No Arbitrariness Principle. Lorenz’ idea of electromagnetic waves, together with the “least action principle” proposed by Lorentz are enough to derive Maxwell’s equations, the continuity equation and the Lorentz’ force. We show that there must be two more symmetries in electromagnetism: a descriptive one expressing source/detector relations, and another relating perceptions of the same source by detectors moving with different (constant) relative velocities. The Poincaré group relates perceived fields by different receivers and Lorentz boosts relate source/detector perceptions. We answer Maxwell’s philosophical question showing how similar theories can be abduced using different inferred entities. Each form of abduction implies an interpretation and a facilitation of the theoretical construction.