| Course: | LPS 241R;Phil 241R |
| 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 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.
|