413 research outputs found
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
A logic road from special relativity to general relativity
We present a streamlined axiom system of special relativity in first-order
logic. From this axiom system we "derive" an axiom system of general relativity
in two natural steps. We will also see how the axioms of special relativity
transform into those of general relativity. This way we hope to make general
relativity more accessible for the non-specialist
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
On Tarski's axiomatic foundations of the calculus of relations
It is shown that Tarski's set of ten axioms for the calculus of relations is
independent in the sense that no axiom can be derived from the remaining
axioms. It is also shown that by modifying one of Tarski's axioms slightly, and
in fact by replacing the right-hand distributive law for relative
multiplication with its left-hand version, we arrive at an equivalent set of
axioms which is redundant in the sense that one of the axioms, namely the
second involution law, is derivable from the other axioms. The set of remaining
axioms is independent. Finally, it is shown that if both the left-hand and
right-hand distributive laws for relative multiplication are included in the
set of axioms, then two of Tarski's other axioms become redundant, namely the
second involution law and the distributive law for converse. The set of
remaining axioms is independent and equivalent to Tarski's axiom system
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
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