| Course: | LPS 241; Phil 241 |
| Name: | Foundations of Relativity Theory II |
| Description: | This is the second quarter of a two quarter course in the
mathematical
and conceptual foundations of relativity theory. It will include an
exposition
of the basic elements of differential geometry and general relativity.
To this extent it will overlap with courses such as one finds in a math
or physics department. But the emphasis throughout will be on
foundational
issues. There will be no study of techniques for solving Einstein's
equation,
nor of astrophysical applications. But there will be careful
consideration
of the "logical structure" of the theory, its relation to Newtonian
gravitation
theory, the geometric interpretation of Einstein's equation, the
"causal
structure of spacetime", and other such topics. The comparison with
Newtonian
theory will exploit the possibility of (anachronistically) giving the
earlier
theory a "geometrized" four-dimensional formulation.
The course will presuppose a knowledge of basic undergraduate mathematics (calculus in several variables, linear algebra, elementary point set topology), and at least passing acquaintance with the special theory of relativity. For further information and a syllabus, see the Course Webpage.
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