Intuition in Einsteinian physics

Abstract

What? This chapter sets the stage for the rest of the book by exploring the role of intuition as a tool to deepen understanding in Einsteinian physics. Drawing on examples from the history of general relativity, Bernard Schutz argues that the development of physical intuition is a crucial goal in physics education in parallel with any mathematical development of a physics subject. For whom? Readers who wish to learn how expert physicists think conceptually about their subjects to understand them. Readers who wish to see how we can introduce Einsteinian physics to students by developing their intuition as well as teaching them the mathematics.