Did the concepts of space and time change that much with the 1905 theory of relativity?

TL;DR

This paper reevaluates the extent to which the 1905 theory of relativity transformed the concepts of space and time compared to Newtonian mechanics, questioning the depth of this conceptual shift.

Contribution

It provides a critical analysis of the conceptual changes in space and time introduced by Einstein's theory relative to classical mechanics.

Findings

Relativity introduced a new framework for understanding space and time.

The conceptual shift may be less profound than traditionally believed.

The paper offers a nuanced perspective on the transformation of these fundamental concepts.

Abstract

The advent of the 1905 theory of relativity is rightly considered as a breakthrough moment in the history of physics; in particular. it is widely accepted that it brought a new conception of space and time. The purpose of this work is to reevaluate to what point and in what sense can we consider that the conception of space and time went through a transformation when going from Newtonian mechanics to the theory of relativity.