Kragh discussed the theory of an “oscillating universe” in his lecture. This idea is popular as it avoids the problem of “absolute creation”. However, this theory is difficult to combine with thermodynamics and the law of increasing entropy. Kragh discussed a number of new theories on cyclic models of the universe.
Franklin discusses the idea of a fifth fundamental force of nature. CP violations, for example in the K-meson decay, could suggest a modification of the gravitational force. He discussed the repeat of a famous experiment by Fishbach, first performed by Eötvös, that could determine whether such as force exists. However, the results obtained were in …
Pfister discusses the problem of a rotating massive sphere. This raises the question whether there is an induced gravitational force, similar to induction in electromagnetism. He discusses work performed by Thirring in the early 20th century, and his own work from 1985.
Will gives an overview of different experiments that have been performed as tests of the theory of General Relativity in the 20th century, and an outlook of what is possible in the 21st century. He discusses light deflection, gravitational waves and binary pulsar systems, amongst others.
This lecture by Eisenstaedt considers the interpretations of the Schwarzschild field solution for black holes. This recording is of quite bad quality. Combined with the absence of supporting material, it is very difficult to follow the lecture without prior knowledge.
Brading discusses extensively the axiomatic method used by Hilbert, and his two Communications papers from 1916, that discuss general covariance and causality. This lecture is accompanied by a very informative presentation.
This lecture by Sauer covers the work done by Hilbert, in interaction with Einstein around 1915. Around this time, Einstein was working on a gravitational field equation. Hilbert was inspired by this after a visit by Einstein, and developed his well-known axioms and a dynamic field theory, further inspired by work done by Mie.
Brown covers the topic of Lorentz contraction. This follows from the postulates of relativity, but is not explained by it. Earlier papers by Fitz-Gerald and Lorentz discuss a shape deformation in the context of a spherical collection of charges that moves, and deforms. Time dilation also follows from these considerations, however, Einstein added to this …
Why do rods contract? Extending Bell’s “Lorentzian Pedagogy” into General Relativity Read More »
Walter’s lecture is about the discovery of the description of spacetime by Minkowksi. He initially understood the geometry of relativity in terms of the hyperbolic geometry of velocity vectors, not in terms of worldlines and proper time. A correct definition of simultaneity and proper time is vital for this discovery. This idea, that Euclidean geometry …
Goenner’s lecture on geometry and unified field theories focuses on Einstein’s approach to unify gravity with electromagnetism. Einstein hypothesized that both forces were described by one metric, that can be split into a symmetric and antisymmetric part. Studying the parallel transport of a vector leads to constraints on the metric that are important in these …
