Philosophy of Physics

Space and Time

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Physics, Relativity, Other Sciences, Philosophy & Social Aspects
Cover of the book Philosophy of Physics by Tim Maudlin, Princeton University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Tim Maudlin ISBN: 9781400842339
Publisher: Princeton University Press Publication: July 22, 2012
Imprint: Princeton University Press Language: English
Author: Tim Maudlin
ISBN: 9781400842339
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Publication: July 22, 2012
Imprint: Princeton University Press
Language: English

This concise book introduces nonphysicists to the core philosophical issues surrounding the nature and structure of space and time, and is also an ideal resource for physicists interested in the conceptual foundations of space-time theory.

Tim Maudlin's broad historical overview examines Aristotelian and Newtonian accounts of space and time, and traces how Galileo's conceptions of relativity and space-time led to Einstein's special and general theories of relativity. Maudlin explains special relativity using a geometrical approach, emphasizing intrinsic space-time structure rather than coordinate systems or reference frames. He gives readers enough detail about special relativity to solve concrete physical problems while presenting general relativity in a more qualitative way, with an informative discussion of the geometrization of gravity, the bending of light, and black holes. Additional topics include the Twins Paradox, the physical aspects of the Lorentz-FitzGerald contraction, the constancy of the speed of light, time travel, the direction of time, and more.

  • Introduces nonphysicists to the philosophical foundations of space-time theory
  • Provides a broad historical overview, from Aristotle to Einstein
  • Explains special relativity geometrically, emphasizing the intrinsic structure of space-time
  • Covers the Twins Paradox, Galilean relativity, time travel, and more
  • Requires only basic algebra and no formal knowledge of physics
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This concise book introduces nonphysicists to the core philosophical issues surrounding the nature and structure of space and time, and is also an ideal resource for physicists interested in the conceptual foundations of space-time theory.

Tim Maudlin's broad historical overview examines Aristotelian and Newtonian accounts of space and time, and traces how Galileo's conceptions of relativity and space-time led to Einstein's special and general theories of relativity. Maudlin explains special relativity using a geometrical approach, emphasizing intrinsic space-time structure rather than coordinate systems or reference frames. He gives readers enough detail about special relativity to solve concrete physical problems while presenting general relativity in a more qualitative way, with an informative discussion of the geometrization of gravity, the bending of light, and black holes. Additional topics include the Twins Paradox, the physical aspects of the Lorentz-FitzGerald contraction, the constancy of the speed of light, time travel, the direction of time, and more.

More books from Princeton University Press

Cover of the book The Presidency of George W. Bush by Tim Maudlin
Cover of the book Local Elections and the Politics of Small-Scale Democracy by Tim Maudlin
Cover of the book Non-Archimedean Tame Topology and Stably Dominated Types (AM-192) by Tim Maudlin
Cover of the book Racisms by Tim Maudlin
Cover of the book Climbing the Charts by Tim Maudlin
Cover of the book How the Other Half Looks by Tim Maudlin
Cover of the book Liberalism by Tim Maudlin
Cover of the book Concepts and Categories by Tim Maudlin
Cover of the book Pathways to Reform by Tim Maudlin
Cover of the book Nasser's Gamble by Tim Maudlin
Cover of the book Ideology in the Supreme Court by Tim Maudlin
Cover of the book Richard Wagner and His World by Tim Maudlin
Cover of the book One Day in the Life of the English Language by Tim Maudlin
Cover of the book A Mathematical Nature Walk by Tim Maudlin
Cover of the book Nietzsche, Godfather of Fascism? by Tim Maudlin
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy