Space and Time in Cotemporary Physics: An Introduction to the Theory of Relativity and Gravitation (Great Minds) [Paperback]

Moritz Schlick (Author), Henry L. Brose (Translator), F. A. Lindemann (Introduction)

Book Description

Series: Great Minds | Publication Date: February 26, 2007

This is one of the clearest expositions in laypersons terms of Einstein's theory of relativity and its paradigm-shifting implications for philosophy and common-sense notions of reality. Moritz Schlick, the influential German philosopher and leader of the positivist school of philosophy known as the Vienna Circle, wrote this short work in 1919 specifically to introduce readers unfamiliar with Einstein's theories to the profound importance of the physicist's immense contributions. Einstein himself reviewed Schlick's work before publication and is thanked in the preface for 'giving me many useful hints'. With a talent for illustrative analogies and a concise, lucid style of presentation, Schlick explains both the special and the general theories of relativity. Beginning with the older Newtonian view of space, time, and the laws governing matter, the author proceeds to show how Einstein's theories solved certain problems inherent in the old view and provided a radical new conception of reality. Since their original publication, numerous experiments have confirmed Einstein's ideas. Thus, Schlick's work continues to be a valuable and highly accessible explication of one of science's most enduring achievements.

Product Details

• Paperback: 98 pages
• Publisher: Prometheus Books; Tra edition (February 26, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 159102417X
• ISBN-13: 978-1591024170
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,254,432 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Grounding in First Principles of Relativity, April 7, 2010

By 

Joseph C. Kolecki (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Space and Time in Contemporary Physics, an Introduction to the Theory of Relativity and Gravitation (Paperback)

Dr. Schlick has written a book that might (and should) accompany, "Relativity, the Special and General Theory," by Dr. Einstein. Both books were written around 1920 and complement each other in content and detail. If Dr. Einstein's approach is more that of a physicist, Dr. Schlick's approach is more that of a philosopher. Taken together, and read with great care and attention paid to assumptions made in the domain of spatial geometries and the coordinate systems which may be used to "map" them, these books provide a solid foundation for comprehending the essentials of relativity and for seeing those essentials from a non-classical point of view. Relativity is best understood when viewed through its formidable mathematical structure. Popular simplifications all too often contain serious errors that are inevitable when representations and analogies are used to represent the products of mathematical thought. To those interested in the subject of relativity (and in reading how it was understood from the vantage point of the early 20th century), Dr. Schlick's book, along with Dr. Einstein's, is highly recommended. For my own part, as a (now retired) planetary physicist, these books helped me to organize my thoughts with reference to the mathematics, providing an heuristic framework upon which to build.