Overview
One of the first critical studies on the theory of geometrically merged space and time in Einstein's theory of relativity
Analyzes mathematical representation in physics historically
Applies Jacob Klein's seminal scholarship on the modern symbolic concept of number to a theory of physics
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Table of contents (9 chapters)
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Front Matter
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The Concept of Minkowski Spacetime
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Front Matter
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General Relativity Without Spacetime
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Front Matter
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Time Without Spacetime
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Front Matter
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Back Matter
Keywords
About this book
In 1908, three years after Einstein first published his special theory of relativity, the mathematician Hermann Minkowski introduced his four-dimensional “spacetime” interpretation of the theory. Einstein initially dismissed Minkowski’s theory, remarking that “since the mathematicians have invaded the theory of relativity I do not understand it myself anymore.” Yet Minkowski’s theory soon found wide acceptance among physicists, including eventually Einstein himself, whose conversion to Minkowski’s way of thinking was engendered by the realization that he could profitably employ it for the formulation of his new theory of gravity. The validity of Minkowski’s mathematical “merging” of space and time has rarely been questioned by either physicists or philosophers since Einstein incorporated it into his theory of gravity. Physicists often employ Minkowski spacetime with little regard to the whether it provides a true account of the physical world as opposed to a useful mathematical tool in the theory of relativity. Philosophers sometimes treat the philosophy of space and time as if it were a mere appendix to Minkowski’s theory. In this critical study, Joseph Cosgrove subjects the concept of spacetime to a comprehensive examination and concludes that Einstein’s initial assessment of Minkowksi was essentially correct.
Authors and Affiliations
About the author
Joseph K. Cosgrove is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Providence College in Rhode Island, USA.
Bibliographic Information
Book Title: Relativity without Spacetime
Authors: Joseph K. Cosgrove
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-72631-1
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan Cham
eBook Packages: Religion and Philosophy, Philosophy and Religion (R0)
Copyright Information: The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s) 2018
Hardcover ISBN: 978-3-319-72630-4Published: 04 June 2018
Softcover ISBN: 978-3-030-10240-1Published: 19 December 2018
eBook ISBN: 978-3-319-72631-1Published: 23 May 2018
Edition Number: 1
Number of Pages: XV, 193
Number of Illustrations: 8 b/w illustrations
Topics: Philosophy of Science, History and Philosophical Foundations of Physics, Astronomy, Astrophysics and Cosmology