For Mathematicians: General Relativity

Author: None
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2000-12-01
Features: While using this book in classes, we found that our canonical reader can learn nonquantum physics rather quickly. Indeed, equipped with geometric intuition and a facility with abstract arguments, he is in a position to deal directly with the general, currently accepted models used in relativity without being handicapped by the prejudices that inevitably come with years of Newtonian training in the standard physics curriculum. However, this shortcut does involve a price: one cannot really see the diversity of special cases behind the deceptively simple foundation without spending more time than a mathematics student normally can or should. We have felt for a long time that a serious effort should be made by physicists to communicate with mathematicians somewhat along the line of this book. We started with the aim of keeping the physics honest, keeping the mathematics honest, and keeping the logical distinction between the two straight. But we were ill-prepared for the attendant trauma of such an undertaking. This book is an English edition! For mathematicians, General Relativity for mathematicians.