Einstein and Singularities

Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part B: Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics 30 (2):185-235 (1999)
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Abstract

Except for a few brief periods, Einstein was uninterested in analysing the nature of the spacetime singularities that appeared in solutions to his gravitational field equations for general relativity. The existence of such monstrosities reinforced his conviction that general relativity was an incomplete theory which would be superseded by a singularity-free unified field theory. Nevertheless, on a number of occasions between 1916 and the end of his life, Einstein was forced to confront singularities. His reactions show a strange asymmetry: he tended to be more disturbed by merely apparent singularities and less disturbed by real singularities. Einstein had strong a priori ideas about what results a correct physical theory should deliver. In the process of searching through theoretical possibilities, he tended to push aside technical problems and jump over essential difficulties. Sometimes this method of working produced brilliant new ideas—such as the Einstein–Rosen bridge—and sometimes it lead him to miss important implications of his theory of gravity—such as gravitational collapse.

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original Earman, John; Eisenstaedt, Jean (1998) "Einstein and Singularities". Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part B: Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics 30(2):185-235

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John Earman
University of Pittsburgh

Citations of this work

General relativity as a hybrid theory: The genesis of Einstein's work on the problem of motion.Dennis Lehmkuhl - 2019 - Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part B: Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics 67:176-190.
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Proving the principle: Taking geodesic dynamics too seriously in Einstein’s theory.Michael Tamir - 2012 - Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part B: Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics 43 (2):137-154.
Singularities and Black holes.Erik Curiel - 2010 - Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.

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