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Seminar on History and Philosophy of Science

Thursday, December 7, 2023
12:00pm to 1:00pm
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Einstein Papers Project, 363 S. Hill Ave.
Einstein on Singularities: Analysis versus Geometry
John Norton, Distinguished Professor, Department of History and Philosophy of Science, University of Pittsburgh,

Abstract: Einstein's treatment of spacetime singularities is now sometimes viewed as haphazard and even ill-informed. Contrary to that view, I shall argue that his treatment fitted with a consistent program of research that privileged physical requirements and analytic expressions over geometric constructions, which he regarded as defeasible and of purely heuristic value.

For more information, please contact Fran Tise by phone at 626-395-3609 or by email at [email protected].