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Topics in the Foundations of General Relativity and Newtonian Gravitation Theory

In Topics in the Foundations of General Relativity and Newtonian Gravitation Theory, David B. Malament presents the basic logical-mathematical structure of general relativity and considers a number of special topics concerning the foundations of general relativity and its relation to Newtonian gravitation theory. These special topics include the geometrized formulation of Newtonian theory (also known as Newton-Cartan theory), the concept of rotation in general relativity, and Gödel spacetime. One of the highlights of the book is a no-go theorem that can be understood to show that there is no criterion of orbital rotation in general relativity that fully answers to our classical intuitions. Topics is intended for both students and researchers in mathematical physics and philosophy of science.


368 pages | 3 halftones, 30 line drawings | 6 x 9 | © 2012

Chicago Lectures in Physics

Physical Sciences: Experimental and Applied Physics, Theoretical Physics

Reviews

“Recommended.”

N. Sadababd, Central Connecticut State University | Choice

“Any mathematically sophisticated student or researcher interested in the foundations of gravitational theory and/or any of the specific applications would benefit from reading this book.”

Deborah Konkowski | Zentralblatt MATH

"Malament’s lucid and thorough exposition is addressed both to philosophically inclined mathematical physicists and to philosophers of science with a strong mathematical and physical background. In fact, despite the book’s rather heavy mathematical demands, the latter will find philosophical excitement hidden behind lines."

Theophanes Grammenos | Metascience

“This is a unique book by a talented author who spans the communities of general relativity and philosophy of science. The topics discussed are very interesting and cannot be found in other books on general relativity, and Malament’s treatment of them is extremely thorough and careful throughout. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.”

David Garfinkle, Oakland University

Awards

London Schl Econ/Political Science: Lakatos Award in Philosophy of Science
Won

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