Reichenbach and the conventionality of distant simultaneity in perspective

D.G.B.J. Dieks

Reichenbach and the conventionality of distant simultaneity in perspective

D.G.B.J. Dieks

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution › Academic › peer-review

Abstract

We take another look at Reichenbach’s 1920 conversion to conventionalism, with a special eye to the background of his ‘conventionality of distant simultaneity’ thesis. We argue that elements of Reichenbach earlier neo-Kantianism can still be discerned in his later work and, related to this, that his conventionalism should be seen as situated at the level of global theory choice. This is contrary to many of Reichenbach’s own statements, in which he declares that his conventionalism is a consequence of the arbitrariness of coordinative defi nitions.

Original language	English
Title of host publication	The present situation in the philosophy of science
Editors	F. Stadler
Place of Publication	Dorcrecht [etc.]
Publisher	Springer
Pages	315-333
Number of pages	19
Publication status	Published - 18 Dec 2008

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Dieks-reichenbach 2010
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Reichenbach and the conventionality of distant simultaneity in perspective

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