On the Ontology of Particle Mass and Energy in Special Relativity

TL;DR

This paper challenges the common interpretation of mass-energy equivalence in special relativity, proposing a new ontology that clarifies the theory's true dynamical insights into 4-forces and interactions.

Contribution

It introduces a novel ontological framework for particle dynamics in special relativity, emphasizing the nature of forces over mass-energy equivalence.

Findings

Mass and energy are not fundamentally equivalent.

The new ontology clarifies the role of 4-forces in special relativity.

Mass-energy conversion cases are reconceptualized within the new framework.

Abstract

Einstein claimed that the fundamental dynamical insight of special relativity was the equivalence of mass and energy. I disagree. Not only are mass and energy not equivalent (whatever exactly that means) but talk of such equivalence obscures the real dynamical insight of special relativity, which concerns the nature of 4-forces and interactions more generally. In this paper I present and defend a new ontology of special relativistic particle dynamics that makes this insight perspicuous and I explain how alleged cases of mass-energy conversion can be accommodated within that ontology.