Physical Relativity: Space-time structure from a dynamical perspective by Harvey

Description: Physical Relativity by Harvey R. Brown Physical Relativity is a critical examination of one of the foundations of modern science, Einsteins 1905 special theory of relativity. Harvey Brown defends an original interpretation of the theory, and hence of the nature of space and time, which combines Einsteins insights with those of his immediate precursors. FORMAT Paperback LANGUAGE English CONDITION Brand New Publisher Description Physical Relativity explores the nature of the distinction at the heart of Einsteins 1905 formulation of his special theory of relativity: that between kinematics and dynamics. Einstein himself became increasingly uncomfortable with this distinction, and with the limitations of what he called the principle theory approach inspired by the logic of thermodynamics. A handful of physicists and philosophers have over the last century likewise expressed doubtsabout Einsteins treatment of the relativistic behaviour of rigid bodies and clocks in motion in the kinematical part of his great paper, and suggested that the dynamical understanding of length contractionand time dilation intimated by the immediate precursors of Einstein is more fundamental. Harvey Brown both examines and extends these arguments (which support a more constructive approach to relativistic effects in Einsteins terminology), after giving a careful analysis of key features of the pre-history of relativity theory. He argues furthermore that the geometrization of the theory by Minkowski in 1908 brought illumination, but not a causal explanation of relativistic effects. Finally,Brown tries to show that the dynamical interpretation of special relativity defended in the book is consistent with the role this theory must play as a limiting case of Einsteins 1915 theory of gravity:the general theory of relativity. Physical Relativity is an original, critical examination of the way Einstein formulated his theory. It also examines in detail certain specific historical and conceptual issues that have long given rise to debate in both special and general relativity theory, such as the conventionality of simultaneity, the principle of general covariance, and the consistency or otherwise of the special theory with quantum mechanics. Harvey Browns new interpretation of relativity theory will interest anyone working on these central topics in modern physics. Author Biography Harvey R. Brown is at the University of Oxford. Table of Contents 1: Overview2: The physics of coordinate transformations3: The relativity principle and the fable of Albert Keinstein4: The trailblazers5: Einsteins principle-theory route to the Lorentz transformations6: Variations on the Einstein theme7: Unconventional voices on special relativity8: What is special relativity?9: The view from general relativityAppendicesA: Einstein on general covarianceB: Special relativity and quantum theory Review `Review from previous edition Harvey Brown thinks that most philosophers are confused about relativity. Most centrally, he thinks theyre confused about the relativistic effects of length contraction and time dilation. In this important book, he aims to set them straight... This is an intriguing alternative view about the nature of geometry. It should be taken seriously by anyone interested in the topic, and Browns book will be the place to look for itsarticulation and defense.Bradford Skow, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews Promotional A major reappraisal of Einsteins work and its legacy. Prizes Winner of Joint winner of the Lakatos Award 2006. Long Description Physical Relativity explores the nature of the distinction at the heart of Einsteins 1905 formulation of his special theory of relativity: that between kinematics and dynamics. Einstein himself became increasingly uncomfortable with this distinction, and with the limitations of what he called the principle theory approach inspired by the logic of thermodynamics. A handful of physicists and philosophers have over the last century likewise expressed doubtsabout Einsteins treatment of the relativistic behaviour of rigid bodies and clocks in motion in the kinematical part of his great paper, and suggested that the dynamical understanding of length contraction and time dilation intimated by the immediate precursors of Einstein is more fundamental. Harvey Brownboth examines and extends these arguments (which support a more constructive approach to relativistic effects in Einsteins terminology), after giving a careful analysis of key features of the pre-history of relativity theory. He argues furthermore that the geometrization of the theory by Minkowski in 1908 brought illumination, but not a causal explanation of relativistic effects. Finally, Brown tries to show that the dynamical interpretation of special relativity defended in the book isconsistent with the role this theory must play as a limiting case of Einsteins 1915 theory of gravity: the general theory of relativity. Physical Relativity is an original, critical examination of the way Einstein formulated his theory. It also examines in detail certain specifichistorical and conceptual issues that have long given rise to debate in both special and general relativity theory, such as the conventionality of simultaneity, the principle of general covariance, and the consistency or otherwise of the special theory with quantum mechanics. Harvey Brown s new interpretation of relativity theory will interest anyone working on these central topics in modern physics. Review Text `Review from previous edition Harvey Brown thinks that most philosophers are confused about relativity. Most centrally, he thinks theyre confused about the relativistic effects of length contraction and time dilation. In this important book, he aims to set them straight... This is an intriguing alternative view about the nature of geometry. It should be taken seriously by anyone interested in the topic, and Browns book will be the place to look for itsarticulation and defense.Bradford Skow, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews Review Quote Review from previous edition Harvey Brown thinks that most philosophers are confused about relativity. Most centrally, he thinks theyre confused about the relativistic effects of length contraction and time dilation. In this important book, he aims to set them straight... This is an intriguing alternative view about the nature of geometry. It should be taken seriously by anyone interested in the topic, and Browns book will be the place to look for itsarticulation and defense. Feature A new interpretation of relativity theoryA landmark publication in the philosophy of scienceA major reappraisal of Einsteins work and its legacyEngaging and accessible for philosophers and physicistsAlso of great interest to historians of twentieth-century thought Details ISBN019923292X Short Title PHYSICAL RELATIVITY Language English ISBN-10 019923292X ISBN-13 9780199232925 Media Book Format Paperback DEWEY 530.11 Year 2007 Imprint Oxford University Press Place of Publication Oxford Country of Publication United Kingdom Illustrations Yes Subtitle Space-time structure from a dynamical perspective DOI 10.1604/9780199232925 UK Release Date 2007-10-25 AU Release Date 2007-10-25 NZ Release Date 2007-10-25 Edited by Jas Elsner Birth 1955 Affiliation Humfrey Payne Senior Research Fellow in Classical Archaeology and Art, Oxford University Position Humfrey Payne Senior Research Fellow in Classical Archaeology and Art Qualifications QC Author Harvey R. Brown Pages 240 Publisher Oxford University Press Publication Date 2007-10-25 Alternative 9780199275830 Audience Professional & Vocational We've got this At The Nile, if you're looking for it, we've got it. With fast shipping, low prices, friendly service and well over a million items - you're bound to find what you want, at a price you'll love! TheNile_Item_ID:76862109;

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