Heinz Heinzmann

Why does light define space and time measures?

This question will be answered in a way, which makes relativistic phenomena directly comprehensible.

The validity of the answer would imply a reinterpretation of Special Relativity.

The main question of SR

Why does nature conform to the regulations of time and space measures predetermined by light?

Preliminary notes

Usually this question is answered in the following way:

The speed of light is identical for all uniformly moving observers. This follows from the principle of relativity and is confirmed by numerous experiments. This symmetry permits defining times and positions of events by light signals. From the constancy of the speed of light the transformation between systems moving uniformly relative to each other can be derived (– except for a multiplicative factor).

This is certainly correct! – and it has been proved that indeed nature obeys time and space relations determined in that way. It is not clear, however, why nature does so.

On the other hand the necessity of Einstein’s approach is evident. Moreover, the SR formalism is proven to an extent that it is beyond any reasonable doubt.

So, isn’t it then superfluous to ask further questions?

That depends only on the possibility of any further answers. At the contemporary level of knowledge the cogency of SR can be realized, however, the relativistic phenomena as such simply have to be accepted. Certainly, a model would be preferable that would permit understanding these phenomena by providing an insight into the underlying coherences.

We will show that such a model is possible. However, it lies beyond the usual physical thought patterns.

To arrive at this model conception, no formal tools are necessary. It is a purely interpretational question.





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