Space from Zeno to Einstein: Classic Readings with a Contemporary CommentaryLearning through original texts can be a powerful heuristic tool. This book collects a dozen classic readings that are generally accepted as the most significant contributions to the philosophy of space. The readings have been selected both on the basis of their relevance to recent debates on the nature of space and on the extent to which they carry premonitions of contemporary physics. In his detailed commentaries, Nick Huggett weaves together the readings and links them to our modern understanding of the subject. Together the readings indicate the general historical development of the concept of space, and in his commentaries Huggett explains their logical relations. He also uses our contemporary understanding of space to help clarify the key ideas of the texts. One goal is to prepare the reader (both scientist and nonscientist) to learn and understand relativity theory, the basis of our current understanding of space. The readings are by Zeno, Plato, Aristotle, Euclid, Descartes, Newton, Leibniz, Clarke, Berkeley, Kant, Mach, Poincaré, and Einstein. |
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Space from Zeno to Einstein: Classic Readings with a Contemporary Commentary Nick Huggett No preview available - 1999 |
Space from Zeno to Einstein: Classic Readings with a Contemporary Commentary Nick Huggett No preview available - 1999 |
Space from Zeno to Einstein: Classic Readings with a Contemporary Commentary Nick Huggett No preview available - 1999 |
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absolute space acceleration according actual angles appear argument Aristotle axioms body bucket called cause centre chapter circle claim clear concept consequences consider contains continuous define definition described determine dimensions direction discussion distance distinct earth effects elements equal Euclidean example exist experience explain extension fact figure finite follows force frame further geometry give given hand hence idea imagine impossible inertial infinite instance interval intuition kind knowledge laws length material mathematical matter means measure mechanics mind motion move movement nature Newton objects observed particular philosophy physical plane points position possible premises Press principle problem properties question reason reference relation relative remains respect rest rotation seems segments sense side simple situation space-time sphere straight line suppose surface theory things thought true understand universe whole
Bibliographic information
| Title | Space from Zeno to Einstein: Classic Readings with a Contemporary Commentary A Bradford book Space from Zeno to Einstein Space from Zeno to Einstein: Classic Readings with a Contemporary Commentary |
| Editor | Nick Huggett |
| Edition | illustrated |
| Publisher | MIT Press, 1999 |
| ISBN | 0262581698, 9780262581691 |
| Length | 288 pages |
| Subjects | › Philosophy / General |
| Export Citation | BiBTeX EndNote RefMan |