Concept
Theory of relativity
Overview
The theory of relativity comprises two physics theories by Albert Einstein: special relativity and general relativity, proposed and published in 1905 and 1915, respectively. Special relativity applies to all physical phenomena in the absence of gravity. General relativity explains the law of gravitation and its relation to the forces of nature. It applies to the cosmological and astrophysical realm, including astronomy.
The theory transformed theoretical physics and astronomy during the 20th century, superseding a 200-year-old theory of mechanics created primarily by Isaac Newton. It introduced concepts including 4-dimensional spacetime as a unified entity of space and time, relativity of simultaneity, kinematic and gravitational time dilation, and length contraction. In the field of physics, relativity improved the science of elementary particles and their fundamental interactions, along with ushering in the nuclear age. With relativity, cosmology and astrophysics predicted extraordinary astronomical phenomena such as neutron stars, black holes, and gravitational waves.
Overview adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0; see the article history for authors).
In the original texts
Passages from public-domain books where Theory of relativity is discussed.
The ether of the general theory of relativity is transmuted conceptually into the ether of Lorentz if we substitute constants for the functions of space which describe the former, disregarding the causes which condition its state. Thus we may also say, I think, that the ether of the general theory of relativity is the outcome of the Lorentzian ether, through relativation. As to the part which the new ether is to…
Albert Einstein, Sidelights on Relativity
a chapter is titled for it; states what it is; names the idea; opens on it
Thus physics has had to digest new facts and face new problems. But the problems raised by the electron and the quantum are not those that the theory of relativity can solve, at any rate at present; as yet, it throws no light upon the discontinuities which exist in nature. The problems solved by the special theory of relativity are typified by the Michelson-Morley experiment. Assuming the correctness of Maxwell’s…
Bertrand Russell, The A B C of Relativity
a chapter is titled for it; states what it is; names the idea
The fundamental formulæ for the theory of relativity are the relations between diverse co-ordinate systems given on p. 203, and formulæ II at the bottom of p. 207. The general explanation of one method in which these formulæ arise--namely, Einstein's method--is given on pp. 201-211. Namely, we seek the condition that for all dynamical axes the velocity of light should be the same, and the same in all directions. It…
Alfred North Whitehead, The organisation of thought, educational and scientific
states what it is; names the idea; opens on it
The regions in which there are no electrons and protons may be called “æther” or “empty space” as you prefer: the difference is only verbal. The theory of relativity is especially concerned with what goes on in these regions, as opposed to what goes on where there are electrons and protons.
Bertrand Russell, Philosophy
states what it is; names the idea
Picture to yourselves the waves on the ocean, and reckon from crest to crest of successive waves. The number of waves which pass a given point in one second is called the frequency of that system of waves. A system of light-waves of definite frequency corresponds to a definite colour in the spectrum. Now a molecule, when excited, vibrates with a certain number of definite frequencies.
Alfred North Whitehead, Science and the modern world
states what it is; opens on it; names the idea
Philosophers who discussed Theory of relativity
- Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz
- Hans Reichenbach
- Karl Popper
- Nagarjuna
- Pavel Florensky
- Tim Maudlin
- Gaston Bachelard
- Ernst Cassirer
- Arthur Oncken Lovejoy
- Max Bernhard Weinstein
- Newton da Costa
- Octav Onicescu
- Wolfgang Smith
- Milič Čapek
- Ivan Orlov (philosopher)
Related ideas
- Force
- Elementary particle
- Falsifiability
- General relativity
- Isaac Newton
- Light
- Luminiferous aether
- Classical mechanics
- Theoretical physics
- Mercury (planet)
- Maxwell's equations
- Physics
- University of California, Riverside
- Quantum mechanics
- Sun
- Special relativity
- Space
- Spacetime
- Time dilation
- Topology
- Vacuum
- Astrophysics
- Gravity
- Mass–energy equivalence
Opposing perspectives
Place in the tradition
Part of American philosophy.