| Course: | LPS/Phil 241 |
| Name: | Foundations of Relativity Theory I |
| Description: | This is the first 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. |