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Single Idea 22192

[from 'Philosophy of Science' by Geoffrey Gorham, in 14. Science / B. Scientific Theories / 1. Scientific Theory ]

Full Idea

Is Newton's theory simpler than Einstein's, since there is only one relation of simultaneity in absolute time, or is Einstein's simpler because it dispenses with absolute time altogether?

Gist of Idea

Is Newton simpler with universal simultaneity, or Einstein simpler without absolute time?

Source

Geoffrey Gorham (Philosophy of Science [2009], 4)

Book Reference

Gorham,Geoffrey: 'Philosophy of Science' [One World 2009], p.96


A Reaction

A nice question, to which a good scientist might be willing to offer an answer. Since simultaneity is crucial but the existence of time is not, I would vote for Newton as the simpler.