On Selleri's "Weak Relativity''

TL;DR

The paper critically analyzes Selleri's arguments for absolute simultaneity, demonstrating they are flawed and showing that effects like Sagnac can be explained within special relativity, emphasizing the importance of foundational research.

Contribution

It provides a detailed critique of Selleri's claims and clarifies that the classical and linear Sagnac effects are compatible with special relativity.

Findings

Selleri's arguments for absolute simultaneity are faulty.

Sagnac effects can be explained within special relativity.

The conventionality of simultaneity thesis is ineffective.

Abstract

F. Selleri's main arguments for the restoration of absolute simultaneity in physics are analysed and shown to be faulty. In particular both the classical Sagnac effect and the recent so-called linear Sagnac effect can be dealt with within special relativity in a natural way. The appeal to the conventionality of simultaneity thesis is also shown to be ineffectual. Other arguments, such as the two spaceships' argument and the block universe argument are briefly examined. Notwithstanding a negative overall assessment, the importance of keeping alive the research on the foundations of relativity is emphasized and Selleri's role in this undertaking appreciated.