The Philosophy of Space and Time (Dover Books on Physics)

Book Details

• Author: Hans Reichenbach

• Publisher: Dover

• Edition: First Edition

• Binding: Paperback

• ISBN: 9780486604435

• Pages: 295

• Release Date: 01-06-1957

• Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches

• Languages: English

About the Book

"The Philosophy of Space and Time" by Hans Reichenbach is a seminal work in the philosophy of science, offering an in-depth examination of foundational concepts in geometry, time, and relativity theory. The book explores critical questions related to the relationship between theory and observation, the psychological aspects of understanding non-Euclidean structures, and the interplay between topological and metrical properties of space.

Key Topics Covered:

• Foundations of Geometry: Discusses the relationship between different geometrical structures and their implications for understanding the physical universe.

• Theory of Time: Examines the philosophical aspects of time, including simultaneity, time order, and unreal sequences.

• Einstein's Relativity: A thorough exploration of Einstein's relativity theory, including Lorentz and Einstein contractions, the principle of equivalence, and the impact of relativity on space-time.

• Space-Time Metric: Investigates the construction of the space-time metric, Riemannian spaces, and their applications in understanding gravitational effects.

• Psychological and Philosophical Implications: Explores how visual intuition and the human understanding of non-Euclidean spaces intersect with theoretical science.

Highlights:

• The book covers advanced topics in relativity theory, Riemannian geometry, and philosophy of science with great clarity.

• Reichenbach integrates mathematical discussions with philosophical insights, making it accessible to those familiar with intermediate mathematics or the philosophy of science.

• The work challenges and examines fundamental metaphysical concepts related to space, time, and gravity within the context of modern scientific theories.

This comprehensive and well-organized book remains a cornerstone in the philosophy of space and time, offering valuable insights for students, scholars, and anyone interested in the philosophical foundations of modern physics.