Substance and Function and Einstein's Theory of Relativity

Abstract

THE translators of Prof. Ernst Cassirer's most important contributions to mathematico-Jogical theory have done well to issue his “Substanz-begriff und Fonktionsbegriff” and his “Zur Einstein-schen Relativitatstheorie” together in one volume, although a considerable time interval separates the two works. The first appeared in 1910, the second in 1921, and the interval covers the formulation by Einstein of the new theory of gravitation. By pre-senting the two together, the philosophical significance of the principle of relativity and the intimate connexion of its mathematico-physical form with the logico-epistemological form of the philosophical problem are clearly brought out. The translation has succeeded in reproducing the clear scientific expression of the German and reads like an original English work. For an American publication there are singularly few Americanisms in the text. It is very unfortunate, however, that the word “Begriff” is not retained in the English title. The book is not about substance and function but about the concept; substance and function are meant to be adjectival, not substantival terms. Substance and Function and Einstein's Theory of Relativity. By Ernst Cassirer. Authorised translation by Dr. William Curtis Swabey and Dr. Marie Collins Swabey. Pp. xii + 465. (Chicago and London: The Open Court Publishing Co., 1923.) 3.75 dollars.