The Einstein’s Theory of Relativity in the Context of Leon Chwistek’s Methodological Considerations

• Authors: Paweł Polak , Mateusz Hohol

Title variants

PL

Teoria względności Einsteina na tle rozważań metodologicznych Leona Chwistka

EN

The Einstein’s Theory of Relativity in the Context of Leon Chwistek’s Methodological Considerations

• Languages of publication: PL

Abstracts

PL

Leon Chwistek (1884-1944) was a Professor of Mathematical Logic at the Lviv University, but also philosopher, theoretician of modern art and avant-garde painter. The present article deals with the reception of Albert Einstein’s special theory of relativity (SR) according to Leon Chwistek. Firstly, Chwistek’s life and philosophical views are presented. Particular attention is paid to the following issues: the theory of the multiplicity of realities, the problem of idealism in the context of philosophy of mathematics and philosophy of science, and also positivist background of Chwistek’s philosophy. Secondly, the reception of the theory of relativity according to Chwistek is presented in detail. In order to explain this problem, the following steps are taken: Chwistek’s books and articles are presented. The charge of idealism against Albert Einstein’s and Hermann Minkowski’s theories, as well as alterations to special theory of relativity proposed by Chwistek are reported and analyzed. Finally, Chwistek’s mistakes are pointed out and recapitulated.

• Publisher: University of Warsaw, Institute of Philosophy
• Journal: Filozofia Nauki
• Year: 2011
• Volume: 19
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 107-125

Dates

published

2011-09-01

Contributors

author

Paweł Polak

author

Mateusz Hohol