Dr Faustus of Modern Physics - Department of Speech, Music and ...

Chapter 24
The Twin Paradox
Since the mathematicians have invaded the theory of relativity, I do
not understand it myself anymore. (Einstein)
Special relativity is loaded with paradoxes:
• Twin paradox
• Ladder paradox
• Bell’s spaceship paradox
• Submarine paradox.
In fact, from one contradiction/paradox follows infinitely many paradoxes.
So there are many more than those listed above. Check a typical presentation
of today: “It is not bogus bogus”.
In modern physics, the infinite number of paradoxes of the special theory
of relativity, is viewed as a proof that the theory correctly describes the true
nature of the space and time we live in.
Einstein understood quickly that his theory was void of content and
moved on to his general theory of relativity, also based on a triviality and
a definition, but so complicated that paradoxes did not show up, because it
was impossible to know if a contradiction was reached or not.
When questioned about his general theory of relativity, Einstein moved
on to cosmology and his dream of a unified filed theory unifying the theory of
relativity he had abandoned and the quantum mechanics he did not accept.
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