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Conventionality in distant simultaneity

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Abstract

The paper defends the thesis of conventionality in distant simultaneity within the special theory of relativity. The thesis can be expressed in the following way: There is no method independent of standard synchronization by which the one-way velocity of light can be measured if all empirical consequences of the special theory of relativity are to be accepted. Three methods which have recently been suggested are investigated. It is shown that they all depend on the method of standard synchronization. It is finally claimed that nobody has suggested a method which cannot be shown to depend on the method of standard synchronization.

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Øhrstrøm, P. Conventionality in distant simultaneity. Found Phys 10, 333–343 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00715076

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00715076

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