Question
Asked 27 February 2025

Do you know of any anomalies or inconsistencies in Standard Relativity?

It is extremely hard to parse across disciplines for this information- so have you encountered any anomalies or inconsistencies in SR in your field/research?

Most recent answer

Eric Baird
Independent Researcher
It would have been difficult for Einstein to receive a Nobel Prize for special relativity given that he himself argued that there was no predictive difference at all between Lorentz aether theory performed properly, and special relativity. The reason why some people thought that you could tell the difference between LET and SR (said Einstein) was because LET's philosophical "baggage" encouraged people to apply it wrongly.
His own implementation of the Lorentzian relationships merely had less baggage, and therefore less to go wrong. It was a more efficient way of making exactly the same predictions
Last time I looked at the major journal acceptance criteria (two or three decades ago!) some had a specific criterion that a paper could not be published if it merely re-expressed an existing theory's predictions, dressed up differently. A new theory that was merely philosophically different to an existing theory but made no new predictions, was not eligible for consideration. If that criterion had been used by Annalen in 1905, Einstein's special theory could have been categorised as insufficiently novel to warrant publication.
The E=mc^2 paper did make an important new prediction, worthy of publication. However the 1990s journal rules also had a clause rejecting papers that were supplementary to a previous paper by the same author (presumably to deter authors from "salami-slicing"). So if THAT rule had been in operation at Annalen , the E=mc^2 paper would have been liable for rejection, too. Although maybe Einstein could have gotten around this by presenting E=mc^2 not as a result of his own paper but a result of Lorentz's earlier 1904 paper, and also of all other theories equivalent to Lorentz', and using Lorentzian electrodynamics. Worst-case scenario, he could even have presented it as an exact result of C19th Newtonian theory.

All Answers (7)

Soumendra Nath Thakur
Tagore's Electronic Lab.
Inconsistencies in Special Relativity’s Treatment of Time:
Soumendra Nath Thakur
February 28, 2025
Dear Mr. Zoie Mezhevchuk posed an important question regarding anomalies or inconsistencies in Special Relativity (SR). In response, I present the following list of inconsistencies, particularly concerning SR's treatment of time:
List of some Inconsistencies in Special Relativity
Failure to Invalidate Classical Abstract Time
Special Relativity (SR) introduced a new concept of time without first invalidating the classical notion of abstract time. Without a clear refutation, classical abstract time remains a valid interpretation. SR does not provide a direct answer to the question: Why is classical abstract time incorrect? This omission creates an unresolved ambiguity.
Inconsistent Adoption of Relativistic Time
While SR dismisses the independence of classical abstract time, it introduces an alternative "natural time" without logically resolving the conflict between the two. This leads to an inconsistent relativistic time framework that does not align with classical abstract time.
Imposition of a Dilatable Time Concept
Time, or cosmic time, as perceived by humans, is an abstract, Hyperdimensional concept that emerges as a consequence of changes within universal existence. SR arbitrarily imposes a dilatable time, contradicting the fundamental perception that time is invoked by physical events rather than being an independent, modifiable entity. While physical changes can be measured, abstract time itself cannot. The SR framework, therefore, introduces an inconsistency by treating time as a physically modifiable quantity.
Enlargement of the Time Scale to Justify Time Dilation
SR artificially enlarges the time scale to accommodate time dilation, yet a standard clock is not designed to reflect such an expansion. This raises the question of whether time dilation is a real effect or simply an imposed reinterpretation of clock errors.
Time Dilation as a Violation of Measurement Standards
Time dilation conflicts with established timekeeping standards set by measurement authorities. Since proper time is defined based on these standards, any modification of the time scale to accommodate relativistic effects becomes an inconsistent reinterpretation rather than an empirical necessity.
Piezoelectric Crystal Oscillator Experiments Reveal Force-Induced Errors
Experiments with piezoelectric crystal oscillators show that external forces can cause deformation in oscillations, leading to errors in timekeeping. SR, however, presents this error as genuine time dilation, ignoring the mechanical distortions affecting clock operation.
Phase Shift in Oscillator Frequency Misinterpreted as Time Dilation
A phase shift in oscillator frequency results in an error in the wavelength of clock oscillations, leading to deviations in measured time. Instead of recognizing this as a mechanical or electromagnetic effect, SR inconsistently classifies it as time dilation.
External Energy Loss Induces Infinitesimal Time Distortion
External influences, such as radiation or thermal effects, motion and gravitational potential cause an infinitesimal loss of wave energy, resulting in infinitesimal distortions in time measurement. SR, however, presents this phenomenon as a fundamental dilation (enlargement) of time rather than an external perturbation.
Proper Time Cannot Accommodate Dilated Time
The time scale designed for proper time measurement cannot logically accommodate dilated time. Yet, SR interprets time dilation as a real effect rather than an observational or instrumental discrepancy.
Entropy Suggests a Constant Change in Time, Contradicting Time Dilation
The principle of entropy suggests that the progression of time is uniform in any closed system. SR, however, introduces variations in time scales that contradict this fundamental concept, leading to inconsistencies in thermodynamic interpretations of time.
Mathematical Inconsistency in Modifying Abstract Time with Physical Forces
Time, as a mathematical abstraction, should not be subject to physical influences. Yet, SR modifies proper time as a function of velocity-dependent physical forces. In mathematics, abstract quantities should not be altered by external forces, making this a fundamentally inconsistent operation.
Limitations of Lorentz Transformations in Accounting for Acceleration and Material Stiffness
Relativistic Lorentz transformations do not inherently incorporate acceleration and material stiffness in their formulation. This presents a significant limitation, as velocity is not a fundamental quantity but rather a derivative of acceleration. Any relativistic transformation based solely on velocity inherently neglects the cumulative effects of acceleration across different reference frames. Consequently, this omission leads to an incomplete representation of physical reality, especially in scenarios where continuous acceleration and material properties play a crucial role in dynamics.
Conclusion
This list represents just a fraction of the inconsistencies in the relativistic concept of time. A thorough examination of SR’s time dilation framework reveals that many of its assumptions rely on arbitrary modifications of measurement standards rather than empirical necessity. Addressing these inconsistencies is crucial for refining our understanding of time and its role in physical theories.
André Michaud
Service de Recherche Pédagogique SRP Inc
Yes I did. Special relativity was established in 1907 without taking into account the observation that electrons were confirmed as increasing their measurable mass from the analysis by all leading experimentalists of the time of the data collected by Kaufmann, recollected by these other experimentalists in bubble chambers of free moving electron beams made to move at relativistic velocities on curved trajectories. Historical perspective provided in this paper published in July of 2024:
Standard Relativity has no anomalies, because it is itself an anomaly. It is based on the wrong kind of transformations (Lorentz), which completely discredits it. See
1 Recommendation
Eric Baird
Independent Researcher
Special relativity considered purely as an abstract geometry has no anomalies or inconsistencies.
  • Special relativity considered as the final inertial physics of perfectly-flat spacetime has no anomalies or inconsistencies, provided that we do not attempt to model acceleration of gravitation.
And then it's a dead end. Special relativity is not extensible. It is derived for flat empty spacetime and only applies to flat empty spacetime. it does not apply to dirty, real-life, spacetime-bending matter that slows (refractive index) and drags (Fizeau) light.
To apply the principle of relativity to the properties of realistic matter whose presence and motion screws up SR's perfect undisturbed absolute lightbeam gometry, we can't use Minkowski spacetime or Einstein's flat-spacetime proofs, we have to start over, perhaps with Hertzian relativity or an acoustic metric and analogue gravity.
Special relativity is an example of what Feynman described as "a perfect thing". And you cannot extend, adapt or retrofit anything to a perfect thing. It's already complete, and has no "hooks" by which it can connect to other systems, you have to start over and find a different perfect thing.
----
Einstein's unfinished attempt at a general theory of relativity, which never worked and cannot ever work as consistent geometry, tries to extend SR by adding the general principle of relativity (GPoR).
Snag is, the GPoR is geometrically irreconcilable with SR's basic equations. The SR Doppler equations let us prove geometrically that if we use wavelengths of light to map out spacetime, that the path of an accelerated body, described by the Doppler-shifted wavelengths of its light, marks a curved path through flat spacetime (Moeller).
  • SR proves that no accelerated body can ever warp lightbeam geometry.
... But general relativity relativises the warpage that an accelerated spaceship sees in its surrounding lightbeam geometry due to the relative acceleration of background matter, and requires that the same effects apply in the same way to any other relatively-accelerated matter.
  • GPoR proves that every accelerated body must always warp lightbeam geometry.
So SR and the GPoR, which let us prove opposite physical results, cannot coexist in the same physical universe. If SR is correct in our universe, general relativity must be wrong, and if the GPoR is correct in our universe, then SR must be wrong.
====
Einstein's attempted general theory (1916), which attempts to support both SR and the GPoR, is wrong either way. GR1916 is junk theory: it's based on founding principles that are mutually contradictory, and that cannot be satisfied in a single theory, or a single logical universe.
With most theories, we model a universe in which the theory is right, and then test it by testing how similar this hypothetical universe is to our real one.
WIth GR1916 we can't get this far, because there is no logical hypothetical universe in which the theory is correct. It self-invalidates: if we presume that one part of GR1916 is right, then we can prove that the other part must be wrong. It is not just a failure as a theory of physics, it is illegal as theory.
1 Recommendation
Today is A. Einstein's birthday. The sooner the fallacy of the theory of relativity is recognized, the better it will be for this remarkable scientist. Let's not forget that he received the Nobel Prize NOT FOR the theory of relativity (in this case, the Nobel Committee showed amazing foresight).
2 Recommendations
Eric Baird
Independent Researcher
It would have been difficult for Einstein to receive a Nobel Prize for special relativity given that he himself argued that there was no predictive difference at all between Lorentz aether theory performed properly, and special relativity. The reason why some people thought that you could tell the difference between LET and SR (said Einstein) was because LET's philosophical "baggage" encouraged people to apply it wrongly.
His own implementation of the Lorentzian relationships merely had less baggage, and therefore less to go wrong. It was a more efficient way of making exactly the same predictions
Last time I looked at the major journal acceptance criteria (two or three decades ago!) some had a specific criterion that a paper could not be published if it merely re-expressed an existing theory's predictions, dressed up differently. A new theory that was merely philosophically different to an existing theory but made no new predictions, was not eligible for consideration. If that criterion had been used by Annalen in 1905, Einstein's special theory could have been categorised as insufficiently novel to warrant publication.
The E=mc^2 paper did make an important new prediction, worthy of publication. However the 1990s journal rules also had a clause rejecting papers that were supplementary to a previous paper by the same author (presumably to deter authors from "salami-slicing"). So if THAT rule had been in operation at Annalen , the E=mc^2 paper would have been liable for rejection, too. Although maybe Einstein could have gotten around this by presenting E=mc^2 not as a result of his own paper but a result of Lorentz's earlier 1904 paper, and also of all other theories equivalent to Lorentz', and using Lorentzian electrodynamics. Worst-case scenario, he could even have presented it as an exact result of C19th Newtonian theory.

Similar questions and discussions

Fundamental Physics is stuck in conceptual crisis and reached a dead end. What exactly is wrong with Fundamental Physics Research?
Discussion
352 replies
  • Gurcharn Singh SandhuGurcharn Singh Sandhu
Fundamental Physics Research is intended to explore the grand maze of the unknown. Throughout the last century, Physicists have occupied themselves with working out Quantum Mechanics, Relativity, Particle Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology in all their implications. In the process, Fundamental Physics has absorbed mathematical ideas and notions of increasing sophistication and abstraction. The tragedy of the last century was the gradual shift in our focus from the physical reality to the abstract mathematical formulations, which are supposed to describe physical reality. We appear to have been steadily indoctrinated into believing that due to complexity of physical reality, we can not even demand deeper understanding and mental visualization of the basic phenomena in quantum mechanical world. Now we are stuck in plethora of unfounded Belief Systems which are hindering any real progress in Fundamental Physics Research. On the other hand, Applied Physics is supported by physical or experimental feedback as well as mental visualization. As such Applied Physics never gets stuck in abstract mathematical formulations or unfounded Belief Systems.
As a consequence, Fundamental Physics researchers have inadvertently adopted certain abstract mathematical concepts into their physical worldview. For example, the notions of virtual particles, exchange theory of interaction, probability density representing instantaneous particle location, spacetime curvature, Black Holes, Big Bang, metric expansion of Space, etc. are truly abstract mathematical concepts which have been erroneously adopted in our physical worldview as physical realities. Experimental proofs and validations of such physically unacceptable mathematical concepts are often claimed through erroneous interpretation of raw observations. Agreed that Fundamental Research does require a lot of mathematical support, but the end results of any complex mathematical processing must be applicable to the physical world and hence must come within the grasp of human mind and mental visualization.
Perhaps, it is a part of Human Nature that we find ourselves so prone to mass indoctrination by dominant vested interest groups in all fields. Our inherent capacity to use Logic and Reason gets restricted or diminished under such a state of mass indoctrination and we involuntarily join 'Group Thinking'. Fundamental Research is one such area where indoctrination of innocent students and mass hypnosis of general public is inhibiting the use of Reason and Logic for discarding erroneous beliefs like Black Holes, Big Bang, probability waves, spacetime curvature etc.
In my opinion, Fundamental Physics Research is currently plagued by three dominant syndromes.
(a) "Emperor's New Clothes" Syndrome.
Throughout the last century, Industrial development and technological advancements remained in the public limelight and won public acclaim. However, Fundamental Physics research being of somewhat abstract and slow, could not compete with engineering and technology for winning public limelight and appreciation. As such, Fundamental Physics researchers instinctively started adopting highly abstract but sensational models of Nature, that could attract public attention in wonder and amazement, to win higher public acclaim in comparison with technological advancements. The adoption of highly abstract and sensational models in Fundamental Physics research for gaining public limelight, represents "Emperor's New Clothes" Syndrome. This approach has been adopted by the mainstream Physics community and sensational models of Black Holes, gravitational waves, Big Bang, weird QM models, particle entanglement, metric expansion of space etc. all represent this syndrome. These highly illogical but sensational models of Nature have now got embedded in permanent Belief Systems of the Scientific Community.
(b) "Six Blind Men and the Elephant" Syndrome.
If we represent the Nature by the proverbial 'Elephant', then the popular tale of "Six Blind Men and the Elephant" aptly highlights the current state of Fundamental Physics research. The six blind men in the popular tale could be represented by the researchers in the fields of Astrophysics, Particle Physics, Quantum Physics, Relativity Physics, Gravitational Physics and Cosmology. Just as in the popular tale, all researchers are extremely busy in making appropriate observations and making most sophisticated models thereof to represent Nature - 'The Elephant'. Many of such models have won public applaud and even Nobel Prizes. However, making models from raw observations, without necessary physical insight, often leads to fallacious Belief systems that defy Logic and Reason. Prominent examples of Models in this category are - Black Holes, Big Bang, Gravitational Waves, Spacetime Curvature, Length Contraction, Time Dilation, Fields without medium, Exchange Theory of Interaction, Probability Density representing instantaneous electron location, Atomic Orbitals, Metric Expansion of Space, Quantum Gravity, Particle Entanglement, etc. etc.
(c) "A Frog in the Well" Syndrome.
In spite of tens of thousands of advanced research papers being published every year, there is hardly any perceptible advancement in Fundamental Physics. One reason is that under the current system of research dissemination, it is virtually impossible for any researcher to know about the research contributions of all other researchers. Second reason is that when a researcher develops a model of certain aspect of Nature, due to long mental association and efforts put in, the model tends to get embedded in one's permanent Belief System. Accordingly, each researcher will tend to develop a personal Belief system which will act as a Benchmark for evaluating the models or contributions of all other researchers. In the absence of any centralized or common research dissemination and evaluation system, the individual Belief systems will constitute a "A Frog in the Well" Syndrome, which is a great hinderance for any advancement in Fundamental Physics Research. Most independent researchers are likely to be affected by this syndrome.
Under the circumstances, even if a few researchers do put up valuable research contributions for advancement of Fundamental Physics, we cannot distinguish their voices from the background noise. In my opinion, one possible way to put the Fundamental Physics Research back on the Right Track, is to appoint an International Experts Panel for Research Evaluation, by co-opting experts from various specialist and multi-disciplinary fields. This Panel may Evaluate and Grade all published research papers that may be referred to it by various research bodies (like ResearchGate) and academic institutes. Only High Grade research papers may then be released to public media for wider dissemination.
Learned researchers are requested to give their considered opinion on the issue of "What exactly is wrong with Fundamental Physics Research?" and how to rectify the situation.

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