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Einstein's Theory of Relativity
The theory of relativity, proposed by Albert Einstein, has two different areas. Special relativity is the theory that neither distance, nor time, are absolute while general relativity states that time and space intervals are affected by gravity and motion. Einstein's theories of the two different areas of relativity have changed modern technology and allowed for new experiementation to prove or disprove the genuis' theories.

Albert Einstein, an inspiring philosopher, once contemplated the ideas of physics. In 1905, he published his special theory of relativity, and in 1915 he designed his general theory of relativity. In November of 1919 Einstein confirmed that light rays from distant stars were deflected by the gravity of the sun in just the amount he had predicted in his theory of gravity, general relativity. This series of theories, however, was unlike any other scientific concept ever created. His ideas were designed to disprove the natural basis of science and to baffle the minds of millions. Many people, even today, remain in awe of his ideas and decide to reject the theory of relativity.

Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity predicted that time does not flow at a fixed rate: moving clocks appear to tick more slowly relative to their stationary counterparts. But this effect only becomes really significant at very high velocities that approach the speed of light (Lightman). Physics is a natural extension of philosophy which addresses on a natural level, what philosophers address on an intellectual level. By establishing the space-time continuum people are able to better understand how and why the universe exists ("Theory: Special Relativity"). Since the theory states that time is relative, people can establish, scientifically, that the universe began with a single event.

In the years after its publication in 1916, Einstein's Theory of General Relativity led to a burst of experiments in which many of its predictions were proven and accepted. These predictions were made into a short, concise series of field equations that laid the foundation for all following research into relativity and partly for modern cosmology as well. At the time they were concieved, both were dismissed by many experts as mathematical flaws. One example of how modern day physicists are testing Einstien's laws is through experimentation. A satellite named Gravity Probe B is putting Einstein's theory of general relativity to the test. The satellite is measuring two parts of Einstein's predictions by assessing how the presence of Earth warps time and space. Building Gravity Probe B required essential breakthroughs in a variety of technologies to make sure that this experiment could be performed. The probe mesured frame dragging//,// which is the effect of Earth's rotation on time and space. The theory of relativity has allowed the United States to advance in the many different areas of technology.

Using the theory of relativity has enabled scientists and philsosophers to create some dimension to base their thinking on. Physics, cosmology, and philosophy are three areas of thought that can be clarified using the theory of relativity. By applying its principles, scientists can establish a core of events which led up to the world as we know it today. This complex theory helps simplify many occurrences and unique phenomena which otherwise would be unable to be calculated. The theory of relativity, more than any other theory, has defined the natural world.

General relativity was the first major new theory of gravity since Isaac Newton's more than 250 years earlier (Lightman). Many of the predictions of general relativity, such as a tiny shift in the orbit of the planet Mercury and the bending of starlight by gravity, have been confirmed through experimentation. Two predictions that are impossible to ever to completely confirm are the existence of black holes and the effect of gravity on the universe as a whole. Unlike many previous scientific breakthroughs, general relativity had little foundation upon the theories or experiments of the time. No one but Einstein was thinking of gravity as equivalent to acceleration, as a geometrical phenomenon, and as a bending of time and space. Although it is impossible to know, many physicists believe that without Einstein, it could have been another few decades or perhaps even longer before another physicist mapped out the concepts and the mathematics of general relativity.

"Introduction to relativity and 20th century physics." __The Big View__. 3 Feb 2009 .

This website offers much information as to when Einstein started to develope his theory and it continues to state what would become of it into today.  Lightman, Alan. "NOVA | Einstein's Big Idea | Relativity (Lightman Essay) |." __PBS__. 27 Jan. 2009 http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/einstein/relativity/ This site is a very knowledgeable, very credible site. It offers almost all of the information one could be looking for in a site about the theory of relativity. This is a PBS organization site and is written by a very credible author.  Theory: Special Relativity (SLAC VVC)." __SLAC Public Website Server__. 27 Jan.2009 <http://www2.slac.stanford.edu/vvc/theory/relativity.html This website offeres much infomation as to what special relativity is. It explains the basis of the special theory of relativity and some of the sub categories of the theory of special relativity. This site is from the University of Stanford and is very credible because it has much information from top college professors.