Quantization of Einstein-aether scalar field cosmology

We present, for the first time, the quantization process for the Einstein-aether scalar field cosmology. We consider a cosmological theory proposed as a Lorentz violating inflationary model, where the aether and scalar fields interact through the assumption that the aether action constants are ultra-local functions of the scalar field. For this specific theory there is a valid minisuperspace description which we use to quantize. For a particular relation between the two free functions entering the reduced Lagrangian the solution to the Wheeler–DeWitt equation as also the generic classical solution are presented for any given arbitrary potential function.

Away from the limelight: Einstein and Milne

In his paper, ‘Einstein in Oxford’, Dr Robert Fox comments that Arthur Milne, my father, was the only person in Oxford capable of serious discussion with Einstein. They met at organized events, but more to Einstein's taste were less formal occasions. As both guest and speaker he came to Milne's colloquia. In Oxford and Potsdam they discussed Milne's cosmological theory. Einstein supported Oxford University in its effort to secure the proceeds from the sale of the Radcliffe Observatory.

NOTES ON THE ETYMOLOGIES IN PLATO'S CRATYLUS

Recent scholarship on Plato's Cratylus (= Cra.) has yielded interpretations that assign various functions of philosophical importance to the dialogue's lengthy etymological section. Barney (2001) considers the section an ‘agonistic display’ (69–73) in which Socrates beats contemporary practitioners of etymology at their own game while, at the same time, offering a cosmological theory intended for serious intellectual competition. In this context, Barney emphasizes the importance of Parmenides, a charioteer who journeys towards Truth, as a literary point of reference for Socrates’ own etymological quest after the true meaning of names which, from Cratylus’ naturalist perspective on language, are considered indicative of their referents’ essential nature. The contents of the etymologies may be a ‘rational reconstruction’ (52–7) of Cratylus’ linguistic naturalism. Sedley (2003) stresses the encyclopedic character of Socrates’ lexical interpretations and argues that these are ‘exegetically correct’ (28) in representing the opinions of the name-givers of old who subscribed to a Heraclitean view of a world in flux, as is reflected in the original form of the names they devised. Ademollo (2011) stresses that Socrates’ etymologies display the evolution of Greek intellectual thought, shown to be heavily reliant on the assumption of a universe in flux, and serve to exhibit the weaknesses in Cratylus’ naturalist view of language.

Critique and Formation

The article examines the development of Paul Tillich’s understanding of Protestantism. Beginning with his 1913 ‘Systematic Theology’, the shifts in his theory of Protestantism, first developed after the First World War and then at the end of the 1920s, are reconstructed. It is demonstrated that, from the outset, Tillich extended the traditional soteriological interpretation of Protestantism into a universal-cosmological theory. Protestantism means not only critique, but also formation.

THE SOURCES OF COSMAS INDICOPLEUSTES’ MINIATURES OF ANIMALS: THE CASE OF THE “UNICORN”

The aim of this paper is to trace the sources of the Byzantine author Cosmas Indicopleustes’ miniatures of animals, in particular of the “unicorn”, in his work Christian topography. Cosmas, a sixth century seaman and merchant, wrote his work, Christian topography, based on his personal experience travelling in the Red Sea and beyond. Although his main aim was to enhance religious beliefs, his work yields important geographical information concerning navigation, peoples and animals of various countries neighbouring the Red Sea and beyond. His description of various exotic countries is decorated with drawings and numerous designs relevant to his cosmological interpretation of the Bible. While Cosmas’ cosmological theory and the relevant designs have been studied by a number of scholars, little attention has been paid to his drawings of animals based on his travelling experience. An attempt is made in this study to trace the origin of Cosmas Indicopleustes’ illustrations of animals, focusing on the unicorn. Furthermore, a comparison with similar drawings found in Arabic manuscripts is added. An effort is also made in this study to draw information not only from the pictorial evidence but also from the literary tradition of the original Greek and Arabic sources.