Jump to content

"theory of special relativity" or "special theory of relativity"?

gib65
in Relativity

Featured Replies

I'm just asking about the proper form of the name of Einstein's theory.

I suppose it's "special theory of relativity", even though "theory of special relativity" sounds more familiar to me (probably because that's what it's often called in this forum). Reasons:

- The word-by-word translation from german would be special relativitytheory, "special theory of relativity" seems to come closer to that.

- The Wikipedia link Cap'n gave also uses that formulation.

- It makes more sense: It's a simplification of the theory of relativity for special cases, not a different theory of relativity.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.

Configure browser push notifications
Chrome (Android)
  1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
  2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
  3. Adjust your preference.
Chrome (Desktop)
  1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
  2. Select Site settings.
  3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.