Philosophy of Physics - 9780691143095

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