Author: Dennis Lehmkuhl Publisher: Birkhäuser ISBN: 1493932101 Category : Mathematics Languages : en Pages : 335
Book Description
This contributed volume is the result of a July 2010 workshop at the University of Wuppertal Interdisciplinary Centre for Science and Technology Studies which brought together world-wide experts from physics, philosophy and history, in order to address a set of questions first posed in the 1950s: How do we compare spacetime theories? How do we judge, objectively, which is the “best” theory? Is there even a unique answer to this question? The goal of the workshop, and of this book, is to contribute to the development of a meta-theory of spacetime theories. Such a meta-theory would reveal insights about specific spacetime theories by distilling their essential similarities and differences, deliver a framework for a class of theories that could be helpful as a blueprint to build other meta-theories, and provide a higher level viewpoint for judging which theory most accurately describes nature. But rather than drawing a map in broad strokes, the focus is on particularly rich regions in the “space of spacetime theories.” This work will be of interest to physicists, as well as philosophers and historians of science working with or interested in General Relativity and/or Space, Time and Gravitation more generally.
Author: Michael Friedman Publisher: Princeton University Press ISBN: 1400855128 Category : Science Languages : en Pages : 403
Book Description
This book, explores the conceptual foundations of Einstein's theory of relativity: the fascinating, yet tangled, web of philosophical, mathematical, and physical ideas that is the source of the theory's enduring philosophical interest. Originally published in 1983. The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback and hardcover editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905.
Author: Tiziana Vistarini Publisher: Routledge ISBN: 1134842406 Category : Philosophy Languages : en Pages : 224
Book Description
The nature of space and time is one of the most fascinating and fundamental philosophical issues which presently engages at the deepest level with physics. During the last thirty years this notion has been object of an intense critical review in the light of new scientific theories which try to combine the principles of both general relativity and quantum theory—called theories of quantum gravity. This book considers the way string theory shapes its own account of spacetime disappearance from the fundamental level.
Author: C.K. Raju Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media ISBN: 9401583765 Category : Science Languages : en Pages : 262
Book Description
Is time, even locally, like the real line? Multiple structures of time, implicit in physics, create a consistency problem. A tilt in the arrow of time is suggested as the most conservative hypothesis which provides approximate consistency within physics and with topology of mundane time. Mathematically, the assumed constancy of the velocity of light (needed to measure time) implies functional differential equations of motion, that have both retarded and advanced deviating arguments with the hypothesis of a tilt. The novel features of such equations lead to a nontrivial structure of time and quantum-mechanical behaviour. The entire argument is embedded in a pedagogical exposition which amplifies, corrects, and questions the conventionally accepted approach. The exposition includes historical details and explains, for instance, why the entropy law is inadequate for time asymmetry, and why notions such as time asymmetry (hence causality) may be conceptually inadequate. The first three parts of the book are especially suited as supplementary reading material for undergraduate and graduate students and teachers of physics. The new ideas are addressed to researchers in physics and philosophy of science concerned with relativity and the interpretation of quantum mechanics.
Author: Jonathan Allday Publisher: CRC Press ISBN: 1351676237 Category : Science Languages : en Pages : 354
Book Description
Read an exlusive interview with Dr. Allday where he discusses the importance of the monumental first image of the black hole, here. This book, suitable for interested post-16 school pupils or undergraduates looking for a supplement to their course text, develops our modern view of space-time and its implications in the theories of gravity and cosmology. While aspects of this topic are inevitably abstract, the book seeks to ground thinking in observational and experimental evidence where possible. In addition, some of Einstein’s philosophical thoughts are explored and contrasted with our modern views. Written in an accessible yet rigorous style, Jonathan Allday, a highly accomplished writer, brings his trademark clarity and engagement to these fascinating subjects, which underpin so much of modern physics. Features: Restricted use of advanced mathematics, making the book suitable for post-16 students and undergraduates Contains discussions of key modern developments in quantum gravity, and the latest developments in the field, including results from the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) Accompanied by appendices on the CRC Press website featuring detailed mathematical arguments for key derivations
Author: Moritz Schlick Publisher: Courier Corporation ISBN: 0486442837 Category : Science Languages : en Pages : 114
Book Description
An authoritative early exposition of relativity theory, this reader-friendly book describes the physical doctrines of the special and general theories of relativity in terms of their philosophic significance. A clear, nonmathematical introduction to a complex subject, this book offers readers of all backgrounds a coherent and informative overview. 1920 edition.
Author: Christopher Jon Bjerknes Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform ISBN: 9781523719938 Category : Languages : en Pages : 622
Book Description
A thorough study of the evolution of space-time theories prior to Einstein, which republishes the relevant works of Einstein's predecessors, including:OCELLUS LUCANUS, JOHN LOCKE, DAVID HUME, HENRY MORE, ISAAC NEWTON, SAMUEL CLARKE, THOMAS REID, JEAN LE ROND D'ALEMBERT, ROGER JOSEPH BOSCOVICH, JOSEPH LOUIS LAGRANGE, GEORG SIMON KLÜGEL, ARTHUR SCHOPENHAUER, GUSTAV THEODOR FECHNER, WILLIAM ROWAN HAMILTON ( by E. H. Synge), EUGEN KARL DÜHRING, WOLDEMAR VOIGT, HENRI BERGSON, RUDOLF MEWES, H. G. WELLS, JAMES H. HYSLOP, G. F. FITZGERALD, JOSEPH LARMOR, H. A. LORENTZ, MELCHIOR PALÁGYI, GEORGE STUART FULLERTON, HENRI POINCARÉ, RUDOLF MEHMKE, PAUL LANGEVIN, ROBERTO MARCOLONGO, LADY VICTORIA WELBY, RICHARD HARGREAVES and HERMANN MINKOWSKI.
Author: V. Fock Publisher: Elsevier ISBN: 1483184900 Category : Science Languages : en Pages : 460
Book Description
The Theory of Space, Time, and Gravitation, 2nd Revised Edition focuses on Relativity Theory and Einstein's Theory of Gravitation and correction of the misinterpretation of the Einsteinian Gravitation Theory. The book first offers information on the theory of relativity and the theory of relativity in tensor form. Discussions focus on comparison of distances and lengths in moving reference frames; comparison of time differences in moving reference frames; position of a body in space at a given instant in a fixed reference frame; and proof of the linearity of the transformation linking two inertial frames. The text then ponders on general tensor analysis, including permissible transformations for space and time coordinates, parallel transport of a vector, covariant differentiation, and basic properties of the curvature tensor. The publication examines the formulation of relativity theory in arbitrary coordinates and principles of the theory of gravitation. Topics include equations of mathematical physics in arbitrary coordinates; integral form of the conservation laws in arbitrary coordinates; variational principle and the energy tensor; and comparison with the statement of the problem in Newtonian theory. The manuscript is a dependable reference for readers interested in the theory of space, time, and gravitation.
Author: Dennis Lehmkuhl
Author: Michael Friedman
Author: Tiziana Vistarini
Author: Ulrich Majer
Author: C.K. Raju
Author: Jonathan Allday
Author: Edwin F. Taylor
Author: Moritz Schlick
Author: Christopher Jon Bjerknes
Author: V. Fock