Space, Time, and Spacetime

by Lawrence Sklar

In this book, Lawrence Sklar demonstrates the interdependence of science and philosophy by examining a number of crucial problems on the nature of space and time―problems that require for their resolution the resources of philosophy and of physics.

The overall issues explored are our knowledge of the geometry of the world, the existence of spacetime as an entity over and above the material objects of the world, the relation between temporal order and causal order, and the problem of the direction of time. Without neglecting the most subtle philosophical points or the most advanced contributions of contemporary physics, the author has taken pains to make his explorations intelligible to the reader with no advanced training in physics, mathematics, or philosophy. The arguments are set forth step-by-step, beginning from first principles; and the philosophical discussions are supplemented in detail by nontechnical expositions of crucial features of physical theories.

Genres: Philosophy, Science, Physics, Metaphysics

423 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1974

Reviews

[zimu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second philosophy of space and time book I've read and this is was my second attempt at reading this particular book. I stopped 40 pages in in the initial read because I didn't like the feeling of not fully grasping the mathematic apparatus needed for the development spacetime theories. I started reading this once again after having gone through a decent portion of Malament's Topics and having sat through the majority of an introductory differential geometry class. This second read was much easier. The reader considering to pick up this book, I think, has two routes: either to bear with a rudimentary understanding of the mathematical infrastructure and take the results presented by Sklar for granted, or dedicate some time and learning the required math. I think taking the second approach will be, in some ways, much more aesthetically pleasing. (Differential geometry and general relativity are beautiful theories in their own right!) Sklar's gloss of the relevant mathematics to those that already know it will give one stronger geometric intuitions. Of course, taking the math for granted won't stop one from enjoying this book. What I liked most about this book was Sklar's ability to really press the issue of conventionalism about spacetime. I did wish, at times, he would've taken a more robust stance on certain issues instead of presenting a taxonomy of views. Overall, this was really fun!

[Anand Gopal · Rating 5 out of 5]

A superb work on the epistemology of geometry. The key question that Sklar explores is: What is the epistemic status of the basic propositions of Euclidean and non-Euclidean geometries? He provides no conclusive answer, instead showing the shortcomings of various approaches.

[Chloe Reilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the most difficult books I've ever read, philosophy of science is no joke. Highly recommend, the universe is brighter than you think.

[Todd · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a dense book about space, time, and spacetime (go figure). It focuses on quantum theory, relativity, geometry, and the philosophical consequences of theories within these fields. Is used as a textbook for Philosophy of Sciences classes.

[Jef · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as an undergrad. As a physics major who became a physics/philosophy double-major, this was right up my alley. It's essentially a discussion of the intimate interconnections between philosophy, physics, and math (especially geometry), from Euclid through Einstein, all in the context of space and time. If you enjoy reading about math, science, and philosophy, definitely check this out. Very interesting stuff.

[lucas]

tried this one once, but couldn't quite muster the energy.