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This concise book introduces nonphysicists to the core philosophical issues surrounding the nature and structure of space and time, and is also an ideal resource for physicists interested in the conceptual foundations of space-time theory. Tim Maudlin's broad historical overview examines Aristotelian and Newtonian accounts of space and time, and traces how Galileo's conceptions of relativity and space-time led to Einstein's special and general theories of relativity. Maudlin explains special relativity with enough detail to solve concrete physical problems while presenting general relativity in more qualitative terms. Additional topics include the Twins Paradox, the physical aspects of the Lorentz-FitzGerald contraction, the constancy of the speed of light, time travel, the direction of time, and more. Introduces nonphysicists to the philosophical foundations of space-time theory Provides a broad historical overview, from Aristotle to Einstein Explains special relativity geometrically, emphasizing the intrinsic structure of space-time Covers the Twins Paradox, Galilean relativity, time travel, and more Requires only basic algebra and no formal knowledge of physics

Space and time. --- Absolute rotation. --- Absolute time and space. --- Acceleration. --- Accelerometer. --- Affine transformation. --- Atomic clock. --- Axiom. --- Bucket argument. --- Calculation. --- Caloric theory. --- Cartesian coordinate system. --- Cauchy surface. --- Circular motion. --- Classical electromagnetism. --- Classical mechanics. --- Clock hypothesis. --- Clock. --- Closed timelike curve. --- Coordinate system. --- Curvature. --- Diagram (category theory). --- Diagram. --- Diffeomorphism. --- Dimension. --- Earth's rotation. --- Earth. --- Einstein field equations. --- Electromagnetic field. --- Electromagnetism. --- Equivalence principle. --- Euclidean geometry. --- Euclidean space. --- Event horizon. --- Explanation. --- Fictitious force. --- Galileo's ship. --- General relativity. --- Geometry. --- Gravitational lens. --- Gravitational wave. --- Gravity. --- Hole argument. --- Homogeneous space. --- Identity of indiscernibles. --- Indeterminism. --- Inertial frame of reference. --- Instant. --- Irreversible process. --- Isotropy. --- Light cone. --- Linear equation. --- Lorentz transformation. --- Mass. --- Mathematics. --- Maxwell–Boltzmann distribution. --- Minkowski space. --- Modern physics. --- Net force. --- Newton's law of universal gravitation. --- Newton's laws of motion. --- Non-Euclidean geometry. --- Particle accelerator. --- Philosophy of physics. --- Physical body. --- Physical law. --- Physicist. --- Prediction. --- Princeton University Press. --- Pythagorean theorem. --- Quantity. --- Ray (optics). --- Real number. --- Relative velocity. --- Relativism. --- Relativity of simultaneity. --- Requirement. --- Result. --- Ricci curvature. --- Right angle. --- Right triangle. --- Rigid body. --- Second law of thermodynamics. --- Simultaneity. --- Spacetime. --- Special relativity. --- Stress–energy tensor. --- The Nature of Space and Time. --- Theoretical physics. --- Theory of relativity. --- Theory. --- Thermodynamic equilibrium. --- Thermodynamics. --- Tidal force. --- Time dilation. --- Time travel. --- Translational symmetry. --- Two-dimensional space. --- Universe. --- Vacuum solution (general relativity). --- Vacuum.