Abstract: Ernst Mach and the search for simplicity: Newton's thought experiments. Newton's argument for absolute space. Newton and absolute time. Mach's critique of Newton. Mach, his phenomenalism and the economy of science. Who's afraid of absolute space? The foundations of the General Theory of Relativity: The principles of equivalence and covariance. The status of equivalence and covariance in General Relativity. Simplicity and relativity. Mainstream classical relativity: The absolute-relational debate and the General Theory of Relativity. Problems facing the followers of Mach. Cosmology and relativity. The laws of relativity. Classical and quantum relativity: Space-time structure and singularities. The cosmic censor. Relativity - dead or alive? Debate and dissension in GTR. What should we count as 'relativity'? Kuhn and Feyerabend on science. Relativity - a dynamic, evolving theory. Simplicity and scientific theories. Appendix. References and bibliography. Index.
Publication Year: 1987
Publication Date: 1987-01-01
Language: en
Type: book
Access and Citation
Cited By Count: 14
AI Researcher Chatbot
Get quick answers to your questions about the article from our AI researcher chatbot