| Course: | SS 189, Phil 141A, Phil 241A |
| Name: | Geometry and Spacetime |
| Description: | The course will examine a number of issues concerning the mathematical
and philosophical foundations of the special theory of relativity. The
emphasis throughout will be on the "geometrical" approach to the theory,
and considerable class time will be devoted to a careful study of Minkowski
geometry, and its relations to both Euclidean and non-Euclidean (Lobatchevskian)
plane geometry. (One of the nicest routes to the latter is via special
relativity.) Other topics to be discussed include: (i) debate over the
alleged "conventionality" of simultaneity in special relativity; and (ii)
debate over whether the theory contradicts our ordinary intuitions about
the "passage of time" and the "indeterminate" character of future events.
The course will not presuppose any specific course work in physics, but will take for granted familiarity with basic undergraduate mathematics (at least calculus and elementary linear algebra). More advanced prior training in mathematics and/or physics will certainly be helpful. Auditors are welcome. Students who want to take the course for a grade
will be asked to submit a number of problem sets and take two examinations
(a short midterm quiz and a final examination during finals week).
|