Hermann Minkowski Pioneers the Concept of a Four-Dimensional Space-Time Continuum | Research & Encyclopedia Articles

Hermann Minkowski Pioneers the Concept of a Four-Dimensional Space-Time Continuum

Overview

There is no doubt that Albert Einstein's (1879-1955) relativity theory changed the way we view the universe. Less well known is the extent to which Einstein's thinking was influenced by his former professor, Hermann Minkowski (1864-1909). Minkowski was the first to propose the concept of a four-dimensional space-time continuum, now a popular phrase in science fiction. Minkowski later became an influential proponent of Einstein's theories, helping them to gain acceptance despite their radical view of physics and the universe. Although Einstein consolidated work from many physicists and mathematicians in constructing his theory, Minkowski's contributions are noteworthy because of his influence over the young Einstein and physicists of his day.

Background

For millennia, mathematicians recognized that space could be divided into three dimensions—length, width, and height. These form the basis of Euclid's (330?-260? B.C.) geometry and virtually all subsequent geometry. In fact, it was not until 1826 that Russian mathematician Nicolai Lobachevsky (1793-1856) developed the first non-Euclidean geometry; that is, the first geometry not based on Euclid's postulates. For example, Euclid theorized that straight lines intersect only at a single point. However, in some non-Euclidean geometries, lines may intersect each other multiple times.

Hermann Minkowski Pioneers the Concept of a Four-Dimensional Space-Time Continuum article

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