Relativizing relativity

TL;DR

This paper generalizes special relativity to multiple maximal signaling speeds, exploring implications for superluminal phenomena, birefringent vacuums, and the conventionality of synchronization.

Contribution

It introduces a framework extending relativity to multiple light cones, addressing superluminal signals and vacuum birefringence beyond standard theory.

Findings

Multiple maximal signaling speeds are theoretically possible.

Superluminal signaling and motion can be incorporated into the extended framework.

Birefringent vacuum scenarios lead to multiple light cones.

Abstract

Special relativity theory is generalized to two or more ``maximal'' signalling speeds. This framework is discussed in three contexts: (i) as a scenario for superluminal signalling and motion, (ii) as the possibility of two or more ``light'' cones due to the a ``birefringent'' vaccum, and (iii) as a further extension of conventionality beyond synchrony.