BA-KulT WTG 4
MA-GKWT 2, 5/1,7/1
MA TGWT WTG 3
MA FW 7, 8, 9, 10
The creation of the theories of relativity was a fundamental step in the early 20th century’s radical change in the foundations of physical knowledge, which many characterize as the passage between classical and modern physics. The theory of special relativity required a modification of foundational notions in physics such as those of space, time, matter and energy. According to some interpretations, this change was the starting point of a ‘relativity revolution’ that was completed with the formulation of the theory of general relativity in 1915. Historians of science have investigated the history of the relativity revolution from a variety of perspectives focusing on the genesis of the theories, their reception, and their further developments, providing diverse and, at times, incompatible narratives.
The seminar is aimed at discussing various historiographical approaches that shaped the diversified analyses of the relativity revolution. Students will compare and critically evaluate the conceptual frameworks and methodological approaches of historical texts analysed in the seminar. The focus on the relativity case study will allow the students to critically reflect on analytical categories such as revolution, scientific change, and reception as well as the distinction between classical and modern physics, from historical and epistemological perspectives. The teacher will give accessible presentations of basic scientific notions of the relativity theories.
