42 research outputs found
Axiomatizing relativistic dynamics without conservation postulates
A part of relativistic dynamics (or mechanics) is axiomatized by simple and
purely geometrical axioms formulated within first-order logic. A geometrical
proof of the formula connecting relativistic and rest masses of bodies is
presented, leading up to a geometric explanation of Einstein's famous .
The connection of our geometrical axioms and the usual axioms on the
conservation of mass, momentum and four-momentum is also investigated.Comment: 21 pages, 7 figure
Axiomatizing relativistic dynamics without conservation postulates
A part of relativistic dynamics (or mechanics) is axiomatized by simple and purely geometrical axioms formulated within first-order logic. A geometrical proof of the formula connecting relativistic and rest masses of bodies is presented, leading up to a geometric explanation of Einstein's famous E=mc^2. The connection of our geometrical axioms and the usual axioms on the conservation of mass, momentum and four-momentum is also investigated
On Logical Analysis of Relativity Theories
The aim of this paper is to give an introduction to our axiomatic logical
analysis of relativity theories.Comment: 19 pages, 1 figure
The existence of superluminal particles is consistent with the kinematics of Einstein's special theory of relativity
Within an axiomatic framework of kinematics, we prove that the existence of
faster than light particles is logically independent of Einstein's special
theory of relativity. Consequently, it is consistent with the kinematics of
special relativity that there might be faster than light particles.Comment: 19 pages, 3 figure
Vienna Circle and Logical Analysis of Relativity Theory
In this paper we present some of our school's results in the area of building
up relativity theory (RT) as a hierarchy of theories in the sense of logic. We
use plain first-order logic (FOL) as in the foundation of mathematics (FOM) and
we build on experience gained in FOM.
The main aims of our school are the following: We want to base the theory on
simple, unambiguous axioms with clear meanings. It should be absolutely
understandable for any reader what the axioms say and the reader can decide
about each axiom whether he likes it. The theory should be built up from these
axioms in a straightforward, logical manner. We want to provide an analysis of
the logical structure of the theory. We investigate which axioms are needed for
which predictions of RT. We want to make RT more transparent logically, easier
to understand, easier to change, modular, and easier to teach. We want to
obtain deeper understanding of RT.
Our work can be considered as a case-study showing that the Vienna Circle's
(VC) approach to doing science is workable and fruitful when performed with
using the insights and tools of mathematical logic acquired since its formation
years at the very time of the VC activity. We think that logical positivism was
based on the insight and anticipation of what mathematical logic is capable
when elaborated to some depth. Logical positivism, in great part represented by
VC, influenced and took part in the birth of modern mathematical logic. The
members of VC were brave forerunners and pioneers.Comment: 25 pages, 1 firgure
Three Different Formalisations of Einsteinâs Relativity Principle
We present three natural but distinct formalisations of Einsteinâs special principle of relativity, and demonstrate the relationships between them. In particular, we prove that they are logically distinct, but that they can be made equivalent by introducing a small number of additional, intuitively acceptable axioms
The Riddle of Gravitation
There is no doubt that both the special and general theories of relativity
capture the imagination. The anti-intuitive properties of the special theory of
relativity and its deep philosophical implications, the bizzare and dazzling
predictions of the general theory of relativity: the curvature of spacetime,
the exotic characteristics of black holes, the bewildering prospects of
gravitational waves, the discovery of astronomical objects as quasers and
pulsers, the expansion and the (possible) recontraction of the universe..., are
all breathtaking phenomena. In this paper, we give a philosophical
non-technical treatment of both the special and the general theory of
relativity together with an exposition of some of the latest physical theories.
We then give an outline of an axiomatic approach to relativity theories due to
Andreka and Nemeti that throws light on the logical structure of both theories.
This is followed by an exposition of some of the bewildering results
established by Andreka and Nemeti concerning the foundations of mathematics
using the notion of relativistic computers. We next give a survey on the
meaning and philosophical implications of the the quantum theory and end the
paper by an imaginary debate between Einstein and Neils Bohr reflecting both
Einstein's and Bohr's philosophical views on the quantum world.
The paper is written in a somewhat untraditional manner; there are too many
footnotes. In order not to burden the reader with all the details, we have
collected the more advanced material the footnotes. We think that this makes
the paper easier to read and simpler to follow. The paper in full is adressed
more to experts.Comment: 40 pages, LaTeX-fil