(1) Applied Mathematics Department, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7700 Cape Town, South Africa;(2) Department of Applied Mathematics, University of Portsmouth, Mercantile House, Hampshire Terrace, PO1 2EG Portsmouth, UK
Abstract:
The mathematical approach to General Relativity insists that all coordinate systems are equal. However physicists and astrophysicists in fact almost always use preferred coordinate systems not merely to simplify the calculations but also to help define quantities of physical interest. This suggests we should reconsider and perhaps refine the dogma of General Covariance.