Understanding Space-Time by Robert DiSalle

Description

Understanding Space-Time: The Philosophical Development of Physics from Newton to Einstein by Robert DiSalle offers a profound and insightful exploration of how philosophical inquiry and conceptual analysis have shaped the development of modern physics, particularly concerning space and time. Rather than presenting physics as a purely empirical science, DiSalle illustrates how foundational shifts—from Newton’s absolute space and time to Einstein’s relativity—were deeply rooted in philosophical reflection on the nature of scientific concepts and explanation. He argues that major scientific revolutions, such as the emergence of Einstein’s theory of relativity, were driven not just by empirical discoveries but by a rethinking of the very framework within which physical theories are constructed and understood. The book traces the transition from Newtonian mechanics to the relativistic conception of spacetime, emphasizing the role of geometry, reference frames, and invariance principles in this transformation. DiSalle also engages with Kantian and post-Kantian philosophy to show how ideas about the a priori conditions of experience were revised through scientific practice. This work presents an integrated view of the philosophical and scientific advancements that culminated in modern spacetime theory, making it an essential read for those interested in the intersection of philosophy, history, and physics.