Mach, Einstein and Relationism

A physical theory with only relations and no independently existing space and time is called a relational theory. Ernst Mach was a relationalist, but he did not have a fully relational theory. Albert Einstein, inspired by Mach, sought for a relational theory. This search resulted in the general theory of relativity. Is this theory Machian? What does it mean for a theory to be Machian?

In this presentation I shall argue that general relativity is relational, but that it is not Machian. This will be done by consideration of Newton's bucket experiment and Mach's critique to that. Also Einstein's search for a relational theory of gravitation will be discussed. Finally, the relationalist interpretation of Carlo Rovelli will be sketched. This illustrates that general relativity suggests relationalism. However, the theory will be shown to be not a pure description of experience, and thus not Machian.