Evidence of dark matter, and the interpretive role of general relativity

Peter Kosso

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

Dark matter is hypothesized in large part to account for anomalous data in rotational speeds of galaxies and random motions in clusters of galaxies. But the anomalies could also be solved by revising the theory of gravity, rather than revising the distribution of mass. This situation of underdetermination would seem to be exacerbated by the use of the theory of gravity, the general theory of relativity, in interpreting the data. In an effort to clarify the status of both the theory of dark matter and the general theory of relativity, this paper describes the details of the role of the general theory of relativity in interpreting evidence for dark matter.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)143-147
Number of pages5
JournalStudies in History and Philosophy of Science Part B - Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics
Volume44
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2013

Keywords

  • Dark matter
  • General relativity
  • Underdetermination

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • History
  • General Physics and Astronomy
  • History and Philosophy of Science

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