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Perverted space-time geodesy in Einstein's views on geometry

Bacelar Valente, Mario (2018) Perverted space-time geodesy in Einstein's views on geometry. Philosophia Scientiæ Travaux d'histoire et de philosophie des sciences, 22 (2). pp. 137-162.

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Abstract

A perverted space-time geodesy results from the notions of variable rods and clocks, which are taken to have their length and rates affected by the gravitational field. On the other hand, what we might call a concrete geodesy relies on the notions of invariable unit-measuring rods and clocks. In fact, this is a basic assumption of general relativity. Variable rods and clocks lead to a perverted geodesy in the sense that a curved space-time might be seen as arising from the departure from the Minkowskian space-time as an effect of the gravitational field on the rate of clocks and the length of rods. In the case of a concrete geodesy we have “directly” a curved space-time whose curvature can be determined using (invariable) unit-measuring rods and clocks. In this paper, we will make the case
for the plausibility that Einstein's views on geometry in relation to general relativity are permeated by a perverted geodesy.


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Item Type: Published Article or Volume
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Bacelar Valente, Mario
Keywords: general relativity, Einstein, geometry, rods, clocks, space-time
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Mathematics > History
Specific Sciences > Physics > Relativity Theory
Depositing User: mario bacelar valente
Date Deposited: 19 Jul 2020 14:09
Last Modified: 19 Jul 2020 14:09
Item ID: 17587
Journal or Publication Title: Philosophia Scientiæ Travaux d'histoire et de philosophie des sciences
Publisher: Archives Henri Poincaré
Official URL: https://journals.openedition.org/philosophiascient...
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Mathematics > History
Specific Sciences > Physics > Relativity Theory
Date: 2018
Page Range: pp. 137-162
Volume: 22
Number: 2
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/17587

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