The conventionality of simultaneity in Einstein’s practical chrono-geometry

Theoria : An International Journal for Theory, History and Fundations of Science 32 (2):177-190 (2017)
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Abstract

While Einstein considered that sub specie astern the correct philosophical position regarding geometry was that of the conventionality of geometry, he felt that provisionally it was necessary to adopt a non-conventional stance that he called practical geometry. here we will make the case that even when adopting Einstein’s views we must conclude that practical geometry is conventional after all. Einstein missed the fact that the conventionality of simultaneity leads to a conventional element in the chrono-geometry, since it corresponds to the possibility of different space-time metrics.

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Mario Bacelar Valente
Pablo de Olavide University

References found in this work

Autobiographical Notes.Max Black, Albert Einstein & Paul Arthur Schilpp - 1949 - Journal of Symbolic Logic 15 (2):157.
On the electrodynamics of moving bodies.Albert Einstein - 1920 - In The Principle of Relativity. [Calcutta]: Dover Publications. pp. 35-65.
Relativity: the general theory.John Lighton Synge (ed.) - 1960 - New York,: Interscience Publishers.
Axiomatization of the Theory of Relativity.Hans Reichenbach - 1969 - Berkeley: University of California Press. Edited by Maria Reichenbach.

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