Single Idea 17063

[catalogued under 27. Natural Reality / B. Modern Physics / 1. Relativity / b. General relativity]

Full Idea

Newtonian celestial mechanics does not explain the advance of the perihelion of Mercury, while Einstein's general theory of relativity does.

Clarification

the 'perihelion' is the nearest point of a planet to the sun

Gist of Idea

Unlike Newton, Einstein's general theory explains the perihelion of Mercury

Source

J.J.C. Smart (Explanation - Opening Address [1990], p.03)

Book Reference

'Explanation and Its Limits', ed/tr. Knowles,Dudley [CUP 1990], p.3


A Reaction

A perfect example of why explanation is the central concept in science, and probably in all epistemological activity. The desire to know is the desire for an explanation. Once the explanation is obvious, we know.