Table of Contents

1: Overview
2: The physics of coordinate transformations
3: The relativity principle and the fable of Albert Keinstein
4: The trailblazers
5: Einstein's principle-theory route to the Lorentz transformations
6: Variations on the Einstein theme
7: Unconventional voices on special relativity
8: What is special relativity?
9: The view from general relativity
Appendices
A: Einstein on general covariance
B: Special relativity and quantum theory

Reviews

I admire Brown's knowlege of theoretical and experimental physics and have learned many interesting points from the discussions in this book. Friedel Weinert, Philosophy a compact, deftly woven mixture of history and philosophy of physics. Brown proves to be a very fine historian of physics, and for me it is the historical asides that were the most enjoyable parts of the book. Dean Rickles, Mind Journal Harvey Brown thinks that most philsophers are confused about relativity. Most centrally, he thinks they're confused about the relativistic effects of length contraction and time dilation. In this important book, he aims to set them straight... This is an intriguing alternative view about the nature of geometry. It should be taken seriously by anyone interested in the topic, and Brown's book will be the place to look for its articulation and defense. Bradford Skow, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews