Abstract
I examine the construction process of the “Higgs mechanism” and its subsequent use by Steven Weinberg to formulate the electroweak theory of elementary particle physics. I characterize the development of the Higgs mechanism as a historical process that was guided through analogies drawn to the theories of solid-state physics and that was progressive through diverse contributions in the sixties from a number of physicists working independently. I also offer a detailed comparative study of the similarities and the differences that exist between the approaches taken in these contributions.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1-16 |
| Journal | Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part B - Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics |
| Volume | 44 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2013 |
| Externally published | Yes |