
The Reign of Relativity
Philosophy in Physics 1915-1925
Thomas Ryckman(Author)
Oxford University Press Inc
Published on 10. February 2005
Book
Hardback
330 pages
978-0-19-517717-6 (ISBN)
Description
Einstein's theory of 'general relativity' (1915) was a defining event for 20th century philosophy of science. During the decisive first ten years of the theory's existence, two main ideas dominated its philosophical reception. Ryckman's book is an extended argument that the path actually taken, which became the philosophy of logical empiricism, greatly contributed to the current impasse over scientific realism - whereas new possibilities are opened up in reviving the spirit of the more sophisticated strain, termed transcendental idealism. It also emerges that Einstein, while paying lip service to the former, ended up actually siding with the latter. Ryckman's book appeals to several groups, among them: philosophers of science, historians of relativity, and philosophers of physics.
Reviews / Votes
rich and timely book...Godel's argument is of great interest for the project of developing anew a transcendental idealist foundation for relativity theory such as Ryckman impressively advocates. * Mark van Atten, Husserl Stud * a treasure of philosophical wisdom and historical information into which everyone who has not delivered his soul to metaphysical realism will do well to delve. * Roberto Torretti, Mind *More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Illustrations
numerous mathematical examples
Dimensions
Height: 235 mm
Width: 157 mm
Thickness: 24 mm
Weight
691 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-19-517717-6 (9780195177176)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
01/2005
1st Edition
OUP eBook
€21.99
Available for download

E-Book
01/2005
1st Edition
OUP eBook
€16.49
Available for download
Person
Thomas Ryckman received his Ph.D. in Philosophy from Columbia University in 1986. He has taught philosophy of science at Wesleyan University, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Northwestern University, the University of California, Berkeley, and Stanford University. He lives in San Francisco.