Philosophical Consequences of Relativity - Paper

Bertrand Russell

Description:

Of the consequences in philosophy which may be supposed to follow from the theory of

relativity, some are fairly certain, while others are open to question. There has been a

tendency, not uncommon in the case of a new scientific theory, for every philosopher to

interpret the work of Einstein in accordance with his own metaphysical system, and to

suggest that the outcome is a great accession of strength to the views which the

philosopher in question previously held. This cannot be true in all cases; and it may be

hoped that it is true in none. It would be disappointing if so fundamental a change as

Einstein has introduced involved no philosophical novelty...