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15
Relativity: The Special and General Theory
relativity, which appeals so convincingly to the intellect because it is so natural and simple. The law
of the propagation of light in vacuo would then have to be replaced by a more complicated law
conformable to the principle of relativity. The development of theoretical physics shows, however,
that we cannot pursue this course. The epoch?making theoretical investigations of H. A. Lorentz on
the electrodynamical and optical phenomena connected with moving bodies show that experience
in this domain leads conclusively to a theory of electromagnetic phenomena, of which the law of the
constancy of the velocity of light in vacuo is a necessary conse. quence. Prominent theoretical
physicists were theref ore more inclined to reject the principle of relativity, in spite of the fact that no
empirical data had been found which were contradictory to this principle.
At this juncture the theory of relativity entered the arena. As a result of an analysis of the physical
conceptions of time and space, it became evident that in realily there is not the least incompatibilitiy
between the principle of relativity and the law of propagation of light, and that by systematically
holding fast to both these laws a logically rigid theory could be arrived at. This theory has been
called the special theory of relativity to distinguish it from the extended theory, with which we shall
deal later. In the following pages we shall present the fundamental ideas of the special theory of
relativity.
Next: On the Idea of Time in Physics
Relativity: The Special and General Theory