On the conventionality of simultaneity

نویسنده

  • E. Minguzzi
چکیده

Starting from the experimental fact that light propagates over a closed path at speed c, we show to what extent the isotropy of the speed of light can be considered a matter of convention. We prove the consistence of anisotropic and inhomogenous conventions, limiting the allowed possibilities. All conventions lead to the same physical theory even if its formulation can change in form. The mathematics involved resembles that of gauge theories and the choice of a convention is interpreted as a choice for the gauge.

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تاریخ انتشار 2008