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Philosophy of Physics: Theories of Spacetime
Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:31:13
Abstract
From its beginnings, physics was dealing with theories of space and time. The course will give an overview of these theories from Aristotle to Descartes, Leibniz, Newton and Einstein and also look at new developments that consider space and time as not fundamental to nature but as emerging in nature from something else in nature.
Objective
Knowledge of the history and problems of theories of space and time.
Content
From its beginnings, physics was dealing with theories of space and time. The course will give an overview of these theories from Aristotle to Descartes, Leibniz, Newton and Einstein and also look at new developments that consider space and time as not fundamental to nature but as emerging in nature from something else in nature. Especially the recent idea that space-time "emerges" from something "more fundamental" gives rise to philosophical questions. Can there be processes of emergence what there is no temporal structure yet?
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DS , MSC
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | Philosophy of Physics: Theories of Spacetime |
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Wissenschaft im Kontext (Science in Perspective) (In Kursen aus dem Programm “Wissenschaft im Kontext” lernen Studierende, die MINT Fächer der ETH aus der Perspektive der Geistes-, Sozial- und Staatswissenschaften zu reflektieren. Nur die in diesem Abschnitt aufgelisteten Fächer können als "Wissenschaft im Kontext" angerechnet werden.)
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Typ A: Förderung allgemeiner Reflexionskompetenz (WiK-Kurse werden für Bachelorstudierende nach dem ersten Studienjahr sowie für alle Masterstudierende und Doktorierende empfohlen. Alle WiK-Kurse sind in Typ A gelistet. Bei den unter Typ B aufgeführten Kursen handelt es sich lediglich um Belegungsempfehlungen für bestimmte Departemente.)
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