PhilSci Archive

Conventionality in Einstein's practical geometry

Bacelar Valente, Mario (2017) Conventionality in Einstein's practical geometry. THEORIA. An International Journal for Theory, History and Foundations of Science, 32 (2). pp. 177-190. ISSN 2171-679X

[img]
Preview
Text
Bacelar Valente.pdf - Published Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives.

Download (236kB) | Preview

Abstract

While Einstein considered that sub specie astern the correct philosophical position regarding geometry was that of the conventionality of geometry, he felt that provisionally it was necessary to adopt a non-conventional stance that he called practical geometry. here we will make the case that even when adopting Einstein’s views we must conclude that practical geometry is conventional after all. Einstein missed the fact that the conventionality of simultaneity leads to a conventional element in the chrono-geometry, since it corresponds to the possibility of different space-time metrics (which, when changing, accordingly, the “physical part” of the theory, are observationally equivalent).


Export/Citation: EndNote | BibTeX | Dublin Core | ASCII/Text Citation (Chicago) | HTML Citation | OpenURL
Social Networking:
Share |

Item Type: Published Article or Volume
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Bacelar Valente, Mariomar.bacelar@gmail.com
Additional Information: ISSN: 0495-4548 (print)
Keywords: practical geometry; conventionality of geometry; conventionality of simultaneity
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Mathematics > Applicability
Specific Sciences > Mathematics > History of Philosophy
Specific Sciences > Mathematics > Practice
General Issues > Conventionalism
General Issues > History of Philosophy of Science
Specific Sciences > Physics
Depositing User: Unnamed user with email theoria@ehu.es
Date Deposited: 20 Jun 2017 14:16
Last Modified: 20 Jun 2017 14:16
Item ID: 13131
Journal or Publication Title: THEORIA. An International Journal for Theory, History and Foundations of Science
Publisher: Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / Universidad del País Vasco
Official URL: http://www.ehu.eus/ojs/index.php/THEORIA/article/v...
DOI or Unique Handle: 10.1387/theoria.17183
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Mathematics > Applicability
Specific Sciences > Mathematics > History of Philosophy
Specific Sciences > Mathematics > Practice
General Issues > Conventionalism
General Issues > History of Philosophy of Science
Specific Sciences > Physics
Date: May 2017
Page Range: pp. 177-190
Volume: 32
Number: 2
ISSN: 2171-679X
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/13131

Monthly Views for the past 3 years

Monthly Downloads for the past 3 years

Plum Analytics

Altmetric.com

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item