| Jonathan
Bain Humanities and Social Sciences Polytechnic Institute of New York University |
| PL 2094 - Space and Spacetime | ||||||||||
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I.
Description
What is the nature of space?
Is it an independently existing
substance or does it merely consist in the relations between physical
objects?
Can motion be described simply in terms of the relational properties of
objects, or must we always define motion with respect to an absolute
motionless
substratum? Does the existence of left-handed gloves entail the
existence
of absolute space? In this course, we will consider these and
other
questions about the nature of space and time as they appear in the
writings
of the following philosophers and scientists: Plato, Aristotle,
Descartes,
Newton, Leibniz, Berkeley, Kant, Poincare and Einstein.
II.
Required Text
N. Huggett (ed.) (1999), Space from Zeno to Einstein, Cambridge: MIT Press. III.
Assessment
1. 6 short quizzes will be given at the beginning of class on the dates listed below. These will consist of 3 or 4 questions from the study guide questions. You will have 15 minutes to complete them. The best 5 of 6 quizz grades will count towards your total quizz grade. 2. You will be required to write three papers of about 5 pages each (typed, 10- or 12-point, double-spaced, spell-checked!). Suggested topics for papers will be provided at least 2 weeks before their due dates. These papers should conform to the guidelines for writing philosophy papers that will be handed out in class. 3. One midterm and one final
will be given.
They
will consist of a combination of short answers and short essay
questions. IV.
Grade Distribution
V. Reminders on University Policies 1. Incompletes. It is university and HuSS departmental policy that incompletes can be given only in very extenuating circumstances (medical emergencies, etc.). In particular, an incomplete cannot be given because of a heavy course load, job commitments, or because you've simply fallen behind in the course. For this reason, you should attend every lecture and make sure you're aware of assignment deadlines and exam dates. If for whatever reason you find yourself falling behind during the semester, do not hesitate to see the instructor as soon as possible. 2. University Honor System. All students should be aware of the university policy on cheating and plagiarism. Cheating on an exam, or plagiarizing on an essay assignment, are sufficient reasons for receiving an F in the course. VI. Class Schedule The following schedule may be subject to revision over the course of the semester. Reading assignments must be completed by the date on which they appear) |