Towards a Theory of Spacetime Theories

Towards a Theory of Spacetime Theories

Author: Dennis Lehmkuhl

Publisher: Birkhäuser

Published: 2017-01-05

Total Pages: 337

ISBN-13: 1493932101

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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.


Book Synopsis Towards a Theory of Spacetime Theories by : Dennis Lehmkuhl

Download or read book Towards a Theory of Spacetime Theories written by Dennis Lehmkuhl and published by Birkhäuser. This book was released on 2017-01-05 with total page 337 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.


Foundations of Space-Time Theories

Foundations of Space-Time Theories

Author: Michael Friedman

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Published: 2014-07-14

Total Pages: 403

ISBN-13: 1400855128

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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.


Book Synopsis Foundations of Space-Time Theories by : Michael Friedman

Download or read book Foundations of Space-Time Theories written by Michael Friedman and published by Princeton University Press. This book was released on 2014-07-14 with total page 403 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.


Relativity and the Nature of Spacetime

Relativity and the Nature of Spacetime

Author: Vesselin Petkov

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2006-02-18

Total Pages: 291

ISBN-13: 3540277005

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Puts the emphasis on conceptual questions: Why is there no such thing as absolute motion? What is the physical meaning of relativity of simultaneity? But, the most important question that is addressed in this book is "what is the nature of spacetime?" or, equivalently, "what is the dimensionality of the world at the macroscopic level?" Develops answers to these questions via a thorough analysis of relativistic effects and explicitly asking whether the objects involved in those effects are three-dimensional or four-dimensional. Discusses the implication of the result (this analysis clearly shows that if the world and the physical objects were three-dimensional, none of the kinematic relativistic effects and the experimental evidence supporting them would be possible) for physics, philosophy, and our entire world view are discussed.


Book Synopsis Relativity and the Nature of Spacetime by : Vesselin Petkov

Download or read book Relativity and the Nature of Spacetime written by Vesselin Petkov and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2006-02-18 with total page 291 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Puts the emphasis on conceptual questions: Why is there no such thing as absolute motion? What is the physical meaning of relativity of simultaneity? But, the most important question that is addressed in this book is "what is the nature of spacetime?" or, equivalently, "what is the dimensionality of the world at the macroscopic level?" Develops answers to these questions via a thorough analysis of relativistic effects and explicitly asking whether the objects involved in those effects are three-dimensional or four-dimensional. Discusses the implication of the result (this analysis clearly shows that if the world and the physical objects were three-dimensional, none of the kinematic relativistic effects and the experimental evidence supporting them would be possible) for physics, philosophy, and our entire world view are discussed.


The Emergence of Spacetime in String Theory

The Emergence of Spacetime in String Theory

Author: Tiziana Vistarini

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2019-06-12

Total Pages: 224

ISBN-13: 1134842406

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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.


Book Synopsis The Emergence of Spacetime in String Theory by : Tiziana Vistarini

Download or read book The Emergence of Spacetime in String Theory written by Tiziana Vistarini and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2019-06-12 with total page 224 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.


Space-time

Space-time

Author: Jonathan Allday

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2019-05-28

Total Pages: 371

ISBN-13: 1351676229

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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


Book Synopsis Space-time by : Jonathan Allday

Download or read book Space-time written by Jonathan Allday and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2019-05-28 with total page 371 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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


Time: Towards a Consistent Theory

Time: Towards a Consistent Theory

Author: C.K. Raju

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2013-03-14

Total Pages: 262

ISBN-13: 9401583765

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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.


Book Synopsis Time: Towards a Consistent Theory by : C.K. Raju

Download or read book Time: Towards a Consistent Theory written by C.K. Raju and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2013-03-14 with total page 262 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.


Semantical Aspects of Spacetime Theories

Semantical Aspects of Spacetime Theories

Author: Ulrich Majer

Publisher:

Published: 1994

Total Pages: 276

ISBN-13:

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Book Synopsis Semantical Aspects of Spacetime Theories by : Ulrich Majer

Download or read book Semantical Aspects of Spacetime Theories written by Ulrich Majer and published by . This book was released on 1994 with total page 276 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:


Introduction To Spacetime: A First Course On Relativity

Introduction To Spacetime: A First Course On Relativity

Author: Bertel Laurent

Publisher: World Scientific Publishing Company

Published: 1995-01-16

Total Pages: 203

ISBN-13: 9814579149

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The theory of relativity is tackled directly in this book, dispensing with the need to establish the insufficiency of Newtonian mechanics. This book takes advantage from the start of the geometrical nature of the relativity theory. The reader is assumed to be familiar with vector calculus in ordinary three-dimensional Euclidean space.


Book Synopsis Introduction To Spacetime: A First Course On Relativity by : Bertel Laurent

Download or read book Introduction To Spacetime: A First Course On Relativity written by Bertel Laurent and published by World Scientific Publishing Company. This book was released on 1995-01-16 with total page 203 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The theory of relativity is tackled directly in this book, dispensing with the need to establish the insufficiency of Newtonian mechanics. This book takes advantage from the start of the geometrical nature of the relativity theory. The reader is assumed to be familiar with vector calculus in ordinary three-dimensional Euclidean space.


Einstein's Theories of Relativity and Gravitation

Einstein's Theories of Relativity and Gravitation

Author: James Malcolm Bird

Publisher:

Published: 1921

Total Pages: 388

ISBN-13:

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Einstein's theory of relativity confounded and excited both professional and amateur scientists with its explanation of the intricacies of how the world and the universe truly work, rather than how people wished or believed they worked. His view of relativity dismantled Newton's theory of space and time as absolutes, adding the concept of curved space-time, which deals with the velocity of motion. Einstein explains his theory of physics in a way that was designed not only for scientists with a knowledge of the complicated math involved but for the general reader as well.


Book Synopsis Einstein's Theories of Relativity and Gravitation by : James Malcolm Bird

Download or read book Einstein's Theories of Relativity and Gravitation written by James Malcolm Bird and published by . This book was released on 1921 with total page 388 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Einstein's theory of relativity confounded and excited both professional and amateur scientists with its explanation of the intricacies of how the world and the universe truly work, rather than how people wished or believed they worked. His view of relativity dismantled Newton's theory of space and time as absolutes, adding the concept of curved space-time, which deals with the velocity of motion. Einstein explains his theory of physics in a way that was designed not only for scientists with a knowledge of the complicated math involved but for the general reader as well.


The Theory of Space, Time and Gravitation

The Theory of Space, Time and Gravitation

Author: V. Fock

Publisher: Elsevier

Published: 2015-08-11

Total Pages: 461

ISBN-13: 1483184900

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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.


Book Synopsis The Theory of Space, Time and Gravitation by : V. Fock

Download or read book The Theory of Space, Time and Gravitation written by V. Fock and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2015-08-11 with total page 461 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.