A Relative Perspective

Einstein's theories of relativity and quantum mechanics form two cornerstones of accepted science. However, the theory of relativity is based on two separate works commonly referred to as the 'Special Theory of Relativity' published in 1905 and the 'General Theory of Relativity' published in 1916. Almost from the outset, these theories have challenged our intuitive worldview of time and space, which subsequently led to the idea of an expanding universe. While this latter idea may, today, not seem that controversial, it contains the suggestion that the universe is still ‘a work in progress’ that is often in direct conflict with many religions.

Both theories of relativity will be reviewed and to some extent challenged, as part of the on-going `duty of inquiry` rather than simply accepting that established science must always be right. However, there is no subliminal intention to suggest that established science has to be wrong. Therefore, it is possibly appropriate to state, from the outset, that most scientists believed the theory of relativity has already been proven beyond any reasonable doubt. These scientists can rightly point to the mathematics, deductive logic and experimental observations, which they believe support all the basic assumptions of relativity. Of course, on what might appear to be a sceptical note, history tells us that this can also be the situation just before an accepted axiom is proved wrong or, at least, incomplete. So while the `weight of authority` would seem to firmly support the theory of relativity, it still carries the inference of being a theory and not fully verified fact.

Relativity:
In order to help wider distribution and review the web based discussion of relativity has been reproduced in the form of a PDF file: Relativity.pdf

Albert Einstein
"I must observe that the theory of relativity resembles a building consisting of two separate stories, the special theory and the general theory. The special theory, on which the general theory rests, applies to all physical phenomena with the exception of gravitation; the general theory provides the law of gravitation and its relations to the other forces of nature. "

Albert Einstein
“Since the mathematicians have invaded the theory of relativity, I do not understand it myself anymore.”

Douglas Sirk
And it really began with Einstein. We attended his lectures. Now the theory of relativity remained - and still remains - only a theory. It has not been proven. But it suggested a completely different picture of the physical world.