PHILOSOPHY 160F: EINSTEIN Prof. DiSalle

READING ASSIGNMENTS, FALL 2001

[Einstein readings are from Ideas and Opinions, available at the bookstore. Mach and Poincaré readings are available from the instructor.]

September 11-13: Introduction: The Newtonian world and the Einsteinian world

September 18-20: Einstein's philosophical background (Readings: Mach, Poincaré)

September 25-27: Understanding relativity I (Readings: Mach)

October 2-4: Understanding relativity II (pp. 227-248, 253-261)

October 9-11: From special to general relativity (285-290)

October 16-18: Quantum discontinuity (290-323) [MIDTERM ASSIGNED]

October 23-25: [MIDTERM DUE]

October 30-November 1: Einstein's philosophy of science (18-24, 220-227)

[TERM PAPER ASSIGNED]

November 6-8: Philosophical implications of Einstein's views (276-285, 360-377)

November 13-15: Einstein's impact on philosophy (Schlick)

November 20-22: Science, politics, and government ( 118-131, 134-146, 147-158, 205-213)

November 27-29: Science and religion (pp. 36-52, 191-202)

December 4-6: Summing up

(TERM PAPER DUE IN CLASS)