Berichte: Mach's Principle - A Critical Review

Abstract

Abstract After a short historical introduction it is discussed how far Mach's principle is incorporated into general relativity. The possible role of Mach's principle as a selection rule for the solutions of Einstein's field equations is summarized. Then follows a discussion of Math's principle in theories of gravitation other than Einstein's, mainly the Brans-Dicke theory. Finally the experiments on the isotropy of inertial mass and their consequence for Mach's principle are described. The conclusion is that Mach's principle, though an extremely stimulating thought, has at present little claim to be a basic physical principle.