Why is general relativity a geometric theory?

A standard heuristic argument in general relativity textbooks for associating gravity not with a force but with curvature of space-time concerns the phenomenon of gravitational redshift of clocks. Yet there are distinct ways in which Pound-Rebka-type experiments are interpreted in the literature, and distinct ways in which the notion of curvature is related to redshift. A related argument common to a number of recent textbooks is found wanting. 

Note: Professor Harvey Brown is the Strategic Knowledge Cluster TaU (Time and Universe) Lecturer for 2006. The lectures are sponsored by SSHRC (Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada).

Date: Thursday, November 9, 2006 

Time: 4:00 PM

Place: Concordia University, Loyola Campus, Science Pavilion (Building SP), 7141 Sherbrooke Street West, 3rd Floor 

Room: SP 365.01

Contact: 514-848-2424 ext 2595

Note: There are regular shuttle buses traveling between Sir George Williams Campus (1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd. W.) and Loyola Campus; see Shuttle bus schedule.