Quaternions and the heuristic role of mathematical structures in physics
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One of the important ways development takes place in mathematics is via a process of generalization. On the basis of a recent characterization of this process we propose a principle that generalizations of mathematical structures that are already part of successful physical theories serve as good guides for the development of new physical theories. The principle is a more formal presentation and extension of a position stated earlier this century by Dirac. Quaternions form an excellent example of such a generalization, and we consider a number of the ways in which their use in physical theories illustrates this principle.
39 pages, LaTeX, UM-P-92/61
39 pages, LaTeX, UM-P-92/61