arXiv subjects

Marco Mamone-Capria

Publications and source records attributed to Marco Mamone-Capria.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2025

On Spavieri's conundrum or the shadow of the twin paradox -- A submission to the One-Way Linear Effect (OWLE) Award

We deal with a problem concerning a supposed inconsistency in the special relativistic treatment of the so-called linear Sagnac effect. It is shown that, under modern clothes, the root of the difficulty perceived by some authors lies in their uneasiness with the standard solution of the twin paradox. In particular, since the linear Sagnac effect is an absolute effect, no tinkering with conventionality of simultaneity, so far as it preserves the physical content of special relativity, would get us out of the supposed trouble.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2022

On Selleri's "Weak Relativity''

F. Selleri's main arguments for the restoration of absolute simultaneity in physics are analysed and shown to be faulty. In particular both the classical Sagnac effect and the recent so-called linear Sagnac effect can be dealt with within special relativity in a natural way. The appeal to the conventionality of simultaneity thesis is also shown to be ineffectual. Other arguments, such as the two spaceships' argument and the block universe argument are briefly examined. Notwithstanding a negative overall assessment, the importance of keeping alive the research on the foundations of relativity is emphasized and Selleri's role in this undertaking appreciated.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2018

On the Incompatibility of Special Relativity and Quantum Mechanics

Some of the strategies which have been put forward in order to deal with the inconsistency between quantum mechanics and special relativity are examined. The EPR correlations are discussed as a simple example of quantum mechanical macroscopic effects with spacelike separation from their causes. It is shown that they can be used to convey information, whose reliability can be estimated by means of Bayes' theorem. Some of the current reasons advanced to deny that quantum mechanics contradicts special relativity are refuted, and an historical perspective is provided on the issue.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2016

On the Fundamental Theorem of the Theory of Relativity

A new formulation of what may be called the "fundamental theorem of the theory of relativity" is presented and proved in (3+1)-space-time, based on the full classification of special transformations and the corresponding velocity addition laws. A system of axioms is introduced and discussed leading to the result, and a study is made of several variants of that system. In particular the status of the group axiom is investigated with respect to the condition of the two-way isotropy of light. Several issues which are ignored or misunderstood in the literature are emphasized.

math-ph↗

arXiv2012

Simultaneity as an Invariant Equivalence Relation

This paper deals with the concept of simultaneity in classical and relativistic physics as construed in terms of group-invariant equivalence relations. A full examination of Newton, Galilei and Poincaré invariant equivalence relations in $\R^4$ is presented, which provides alternative proofs, additions and occasionally corrections of results in the literature, including Malament's theorem and some of its variants. It is argued that the interpretation of simultaneity as an invariant equivalence relation, although interesting for its own sake, does not cut in the debate concerning the conventionality of simultaneity in special relativity.

math-ph↗

arXiv2011

Spatial Directions, Anisotropy and Special Relativity

The concept of an objective spatial direction in special relativity is investigated and theories assuming light-speed isotropy while accepting the existence of a privileged spatial direction are classified. A natural generalization of the proper time principle is introduced which makes it possible to devise experimental tests of spatial isotropy. Several common misunderstandings in the relativistic literature concerning the role of spatial isotropy are clarified.

gr-qc↗