Relativity without light: A new proof of Ignatowski's theorem

TL;DR

This paper presents a simplified proof of Ignatowski's theorem, demonstrating that Lorentzian kinematics can be derived without assumptions about light, extending the original result to higher-dimensional space-time.

Contribution

It provides a more accessible proof of Ignatowski's theorem applicable to n+1-dimensional space-time, broadening the understanding of Lorentzian kinematics.

Findings

Lorentzian kinematics can be derived without light assumptions

Simplified proof applicable to higher-dimensional space-time

Extends Ignatowski's original theorem to n+1 dimensions

Abstract

V. Ignatowski (1910) showed that assumptions about light are not necessary to obtain Lorentzian kinematics as one of only few possibilities. We give a much simplified proof of his result as formulated by V. Gorini (1971) for $n$+1-dimensional space-time.