The mathematical role of time and space-time in classical physics
General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology
2007-05-23 v2
Abstract
We use Padoa's principle of independence of primitive symbols in axiomatic systems in order to discuss the mathematical role of time and space-time in some classical physical theories. We show that time is eliminable in Newtonian mechanics and that space-time is also dispensable in Hamiltonian mechanics, Maxwell's electromagnetic theory, the Dirac electron, classical gauge fields, and general relativity.
Keywords
Cite
@article{arxiv.gr-qc/0102107,
title = {The mathematical role of time and space-time in classical physics},
author = {Newton C. A. da Costa and Adonai S. Sant'Anna},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:gr-qc/0102107},
year = {2007}
}
Comments
LaTeX, 12 pages, no figures. This is a new version