Russ asks: > Is there a mechanistic-type explanation for how forces work? For example, > two electrons repel each other. How does that happen? Other than saying > that there are force fields that exert forces, how does the electromagnetic > force accomplish its effects. What is the interface/link/connection between > the force (field) and the objects on which it acts. Or is all we can say is > that it just happens: it's a physics primitive?
I have the impression that the best you can say is that fields act on fields; fields are (the only) first-class objects, and what you're calling "objects" are at best second-class--they are epiphenomena of fields (or, of *the* field). There is (or was when I last tried to look into this, about 40 years ago) a concept of "current" (which I suppose is a generalization of our familiar "electric current", but if so is such a generalization that I was unable to see the connection at all) which was in some way involved with interactions of fields. Maybe a Google search on current and Jakiw would turn up something useful, but probably not. ============================================================ FRIAM Applied Complexity Group listserv Meets Fridays 9a-11:30 at cafe at St. John's College to unsubscribe http://redfish.com/mailman/listinfo/friam_redfish.com
