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Conceptual Foundations of General Relativity
Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:31:28
Abstract
This course focuses on discussing concepts particular to theories of spacetime, especially general relativity, that are typically beyond the scope of introductory lectures on the subject.
Objective
By the end of the course, students understand the conceptual challenges of formulating a theory of spacetime and how these challenges are addressed by general relativity. They are well-versed in the covariant phase space formalism and can use it to analyse fundamental questions, e.g., regarding the role of symmetries in a physical theory. They are also aware of open research questions in the field, especially those arising in attempts to quantise gravity.
Content
General relativity is based on principles like the equivalence principle, which are difficult to reconcile with other basic notions used in physics, such as the idea that a system evolves in time. A large part of the course will be devoted to the "covariant phase space formalism," which provides a framework for understanding how these different notions play together. Building on this understanding, the course aims to shed light on fundamental concepts ranging from covariance to Mach's principle and more recent ideas like holography.
Resources
Literature
- S. W. Hawking and G. F. R. Ellis, The large scale structure of space-time, Cambridge University Press, 1973. - J. Barbour and H. Pfister, Mach's principle, Birkhäuser, 1995. - J. D. Norton, General covariance and the foundations of general relativity: eight decades of dispute, Rep. Prog. Phys. 56 791, 1993. - D. Harlow and J. Wu, Covariant phase space with boundaries, arXiv:1906.08616, 2019.
Learning Materials (Links)
- Moodle course
- Conceptual Foundations of General Relativity
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- oral 20 minutes
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | Conceptual Foundations of General Relativity |
|
2 h weekly |
| exercise | Conceptual Foundations of General Relativity |
|
1 h weekly |