How Einstein believed that space is curved?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on Einstein's belief in the curvature of space as a fundamental aspect of his general theory of relativity. Participants explore the origins of this idea, questioning how certain Einstein was about it from the outset and what influenced his thinking.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that it took Einstein four years to complete his general theory of relativity, questioning how he was "sure" about the idea of curved space from the beginning.
  • Another participant challenges the notion of certainty, asking for clarification on what is meant by "sure" regarding Einstein's beliefs.
  • A participant expresses curiosity about the reasons behind Einstein's belief in the curvature of space.
  • One participant references Einstein's own writings, suggesting that he explained his ideas in clear, nontechnical language in the introduction to his paper on general relativity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion reflects a lack of consensus on the certainty of Einstein's beliefs regarding curved space, with participants expressing differing views on how to interpret his confidence and the influences on his thinking.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not reached a resolution on the nature of Einstein's certainty or the specific influences that led him to believe in the curvature of space.

FrancisClinton
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It took einstein 4 years to complete his general theory of relativity but the fundamental idea behind this work is that he believed that space is curved , how he is sure about this idea from the beginning ?
 
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FrancisClinton said:
It took einstein 4 years to complete his general theory of relativity but the fundamental idea behind this work is that he believed that space is curved , how he is sure about this idea from the beginning ?
What do you mean "sure about this idea from the beginning"? How do you know he was sure about it from the beginning?
 
just asking what made him to believe in this idea " space is curved"
 
He explained this in very clear and nontechnical language in the introduction to his paper on GR:

The foundation of the general theory of relativity
A. Einstein, Annalen der Physik 49 (1916) 769.

You can find English translations online, e.g., in the back of this book: http://www.lightandmatter.com/genrel/
 
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