Rynasiewicz, Robert (2001) Reichenbach's Epsilon Definition of Simultaneity in Historical and Philosophical Perspective. UNSPECIFIED. (In Press)

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Abstract

I examine the development of Reichenbach's ideas concerning the conventionality of simultaneity in connection with his ``epsilon''-definition of simultaneity. It does not appear that he ever considered non-standard choices of ``epsilon'' that yield the same ``light-geometry'' as that of special relativity. Rather, it appears he believed that non-standard choices, though always epistemically justified, lead to different ``light-geometries'' (e.g., classical space-time) and thus would necessitate more complicated ``matter axioms'' than those postulated in his axiomatization of relativity.

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Item Type:	Other
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Rynasiewicz, Robert
Keywords:	Reichenbach, simultaneity, convention
Subjects:	General Issues > Conventionalism General Issues > Logical Positivism/Logical Empiricism Specific Sciences > Physics > Relativity Theory
Depositing User:	Robert Rynasiewicz
Date Deposited:	15 Jul 2002
Last Modified:	07 Oct 2010 15:10
Item ID:	674
Public Domain:	No
Subjects:	General Issues > Conventionalism General Issues > Logical Positivism/Logical Empiricism Specific Sciences > Physics > Relativity Theory
Date:	January 2001
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/674

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