Nicolas Teh (Notre Dame): “Newton-Cartan Theory, Symmetry, and Observers”

Abstract: In this talk, I will explore several philosophical themes that have recently emerged in the foundations of Newton-Cartan theory (a geometric non-relativistic theory of gravity), especially the status of the theory’s “gauge symmetries”, the role of symmetry-breaking observer fields in the theory, and the theory’s relationship with teleparallel gravity. Part of the material will be based on joint work with Derek Wise and James Read (respectively).

Nicolas J. Teh is an Assistant Professor of Philosophy at the University of Notre Dame, and a collaborator with Bryan W. Roberts on the Representing the Observable project (NSF #1734155).