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In the years during which the theory of relativity has been the subject of philosophical discussion, a considerable number of publications concerning it have appeared. It would therefore seem appropriate to summarize the philosophical viewpoints expressed and the conclusions arrived at in these investigations. Of course, one cannot hope to distil one final judgment or one common interpretation from such a variety of works. The same reasons which make it impossible to unify the various philosophical systems also make it impossible to unify the various treatments of a specific problem in the philosophy of science, for these treatments have usually been mere projections of their author's philosophical position. It is obvious that each philosophical school selects from the theory of relativity exactly those philosophical issues that appear interesting from its particular vantage point, and either accepts, rejects, or "interprets' the physical theory depending on whether or not the theory agrees with the doctrines of the school. Such an attitude is not fruitful for an understanding of the philosophical content of a new physical discovery. Moreover, philosophical analysis meets with difficulties in this case because a much greater knowledge of physics is required than has commonly been necessary for studies in the philosophy of science. The adequacy of any philosophical criticism of the theory of relativity therefore depends on the author's grasp of the physical content of the theory, and on his understanding of the physical significance of particular assertions. This accounts for the amazing variety of opinions, the violent controversies about the importance, consistency, and scientific applicability of Einstein's discoveries. The kaleidoscopic chaos of opinions is heightened, in turn, by the participation of the general public in this controversy.

DOI: 10.1007/978-94-009-9855-1_1

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