Relativity without Spacetime

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Physics, General Physics, Other Sciences, Philosophy & Social Aspects
Cover of the book Relativity without Spacetime by Joseph K. Cosgrove, Springer International Publishing
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Joseph K. Cosgrove ISBN: 9783319726311
Publisher: Springer International Publishing Publication: May 23, 2018
Imprint: Palgrave Macmillan Language: English
Author: Joseph K. Cosgrove
ISBN: 9783319726311
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Publication: May 23, 2018
Imprint: Palgrave Macmillan
Language: English

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.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

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.

More books from Springer International Publishing

Cover of the book Inertial Confinement Fusion Driven Thermonuclear Energy by Joseph K. Cosgrove
Cover of the book Multiplatform Media in Mexico by Joseph K. Cosgrove
Cover of the book Person Centered Psychiatry by Joseph K. Cosgrove
Cover of the book Quantifying and Processing Biomedical and Behavioral Signals by Joseph K. Cosgrove
Cover of the book Violent Non-state Actors and the Syrian Civil War by Joseph K. Cosgrove
Cover of the book Narratives of Recovery from Serious Mental Illness by Joseph K. Cosgrove
Cover of the book Sustainable Development in Mountain Regions by Joseph K. Cosgrove
Cover of the book Feeling Academic in the Neoliberal University by Joseph K. Cosgrove
Cover of the book Semantic Web Collaborative Spaces by Joseph K. Cosgrove
Cover of the book Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy of Degenerative Brain Diseases by Joseph K. Cosgrove
Cover of the book Friedrich Nietzsche by Joseph K. Cosgrove
Cover of the book Human Dignity of the Vulnerable in the Age of Rights by Joseph K. Cosgrove
Cover of the book Cognitive Abilities and Educational Outcomes by Joseph K. Cosgrove
Cover of the book Guide to Data Structures by Joseph K. Cosgrove
Cover of the book Asia Pacific Business Process Management by Joseph K. Cosgrove
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