2 - Relativity and Newtonian Mechanics

Abstract

This chapter focuses on relativity and Newtonian mechanics. Newtonian principle of relativity appears, prima facie, to be much more natural in the sense of being closer to our common sense intuitions about the nature of space and time than the principle of special relativity of Einstein. Relativistic or relational is the concept of rectilinear or straight-line motion. For the Newtonian, the law of motion is bound to be a second order differential equation, whereas for the Aristotelian it is just as clearly bound to be of the first order. The chapter also discusses the law of the equality of action and reaction and the principle of classical relativity.