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Concepts of Simultaneity: From Antiquity to Einstein and Beyond
Author(s): Max Jammer (Author)
- Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press
- Publication Date: 1 Nov. 2006
- Edition: Illustrated
- Language: English
- Print length: 320 pages
- ISBN-10: 0801884225
- ISBN-13: 9780801884221
Book Description
Max Jammer’s Concepts of Simultaneity presents a comprehensive, accessible account of the historical development of an important and controversial concept—which played a critical role in initiating modern theoretical physics—from the days of Egyptian hieroglyphs through to Einstein’s work in 1905, and beyond.
Beginning with the use of the concept of simultaneity in ancient Egypt and in the Bible, the study discusses its role in Greek and medieval philosophy as well as its significance in Newtonian physics and in the ideas of Leibniz, Kant, and other classical philosophers. The central theme of Jammer’s presentation is a critical analysis of the use of this concept by philosophers of science, like Poincaré, and its significant role in inaugurating modern theoretical physics in Einstein’s special theory of relativity. Particular attention is paid to the philosophical problem of whether the notion of distant simultaneity presents a factual reality or only a hypothetical convention. The study concludes with an analysis of simultaneity’s importance in general relativity and quantum mechanics.
Editorial Reviews
Review
Concepts of Simultaneity excels at clearly explaining subtle but important issues. The book is incisive and valuable; it will appeal not only to historians and philosophers of physics but also to physicists drawn to the elements of special relativity.
–Alberto A. Martinez “Physics Today”
Concepts of Simultaneity provides a welcome survey of the development of our views and theories of simultaneity, bringing together sources in history, physics and philosophy. The book covers an impressive array of material.
–Jill North “American Scientist”
I highly recommend the book.
–Craig Callender “Isis”
Jammer’s book is a significant contribution to the literature on the physics of time and merits the attention of both physicists and philosophers of science.
–Howard E. Brandt “Mathematical Reviews”
Presents a very well-researched and thought-provoking analysis of the topic.
–Mark Shumelda “History and Philosophy of the Life Sciences”
The view of simultaneity presented by Max Jammer is almost breathtaking . . . I think Jammer has written a valuable book.
–Allen I. Janis “Sudies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics”
This interesting, carefully crafted analysis of some fundamental ideas belongs in good college library collections . . . Highly recommended.
— “Choice”
