The conventionality of geometry is merely incomplete

Roberts, Bryan W. ORCID: 0000-0003-0548-1280 (2025) The conventionality of geometry is merely incomplete. Philosophy of Science. ISSN 0031-8248 (In Press)

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Abstract

This article proves two no-go results against the conventionality of geometry. I then argue that any remaining conventionality arises from scientific incompleteness. I illustrate by introducing a new kind of conventionality arising in the presence of higher spatial dimensions, where the incompleteness is resolved by introducing new physical theories like Kaluza-Klein theory. Thus, conventional choices of this kind may guide scientific discovery, but if successful would dissolve the original conventional freedom.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	© 2025 The Author
Divisions:	Philosophy, Logic and Scientific Method
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > B Philosophy (General) Q Science > QC Physics
Date Deposited:	23 Oct 2025 16:09
Last Modified:	24 Oct 2025 13:57
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/129960

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