Time in the theory of relativity: inertial time, light clocks, and proper time

TL;DR

This paper explores the concept of inertial time in special relativity, proposing that light clocks are derived from inertial time without needing independent clock concepts like atomic time.

Contribution

It challenges Einstein's view by showing that clocks are not independent entities but are derived from inertial time within the theory.

Findings

Inertial time is fundamental in special relativity.

Light clocks are solutions derived from inertial time.

Atomic clocks are not necessary for the theory.

Abstract

In a way similar to classical mechanics where we have the concept of inertial time as expressed in the motions of bodies, in the (special) theory of relativity we can regard the inertial time as the only notion of time at play. The inertial time is expressed also in the propagation of light. This gives rise to a notion of clock, the light clock, which we can regard as a notion derived from the inertial time. The light clock can be seen as a solution of the theory, which complies with the requirement that a clock to be so must have a rate that is independent of its past history. Contrary to Einstein's view, we do not need the concept of clock as an independent concept. This implies, in particular, that we do not need to rely on the notions of atomic clock or atomic time in the theory of relativity.