The relativity of inertia and reality of nothing

TL;DR

This paper examines the nature of inertia in Newtonian mechanics and general relativity, discussing the relativity of inertia and the challenges in defining it relative to matter.

Contribution

It analyzes the absolute nature of inertia in Newtonian mechanics and explores how general relativity attempts to make inertia relative to matter, highlighting issues of undetermination.

Findings

Inertia is absolute in Newtonian mechanics.

General relativity introduces relativity of inertia.

There are degrees of freedom separating inertia from matter.

Abstract

We first see that the inertia of Newtonian mechanics is absolute and troublesome. General relativity can be viewed as Einstein's attempt to remedy, by making inertia relative, to matter---perhaps imperfectly though, as at least a couple of freedom degrees separate inertia from matter in his theory. We consider ways the relationist (for whom it is of course unwelcome) can try to overcome such undetermination, dismissing it as physically meaningless, especially by insisting on the right transformation properties.