The Truth About the Speed of Light: Debunking the Myth of an Absolute Limit

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of the speed of light as an absolute limit in physics. Participants explore theoretical implications, challenge the validity of this concept, and consider its relevance in the broader context of understanding physical reality.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants find the idea of the speed of light as an absolute limit to be absurd, suggesting it is a limited perspective on a much larger reality.
  • Others argue that while the speed of light may seem like a small scale on the "ruler of infinity," it is a consistent and justified concept within current physics.
  • One participant notes that the notion of measuring speeds greater than the speed of light presents inherent problems, likening it to using an inadequate measuring device.
  • Another participant challenges the argument that the speed of light is trivial on a cosmic scale, asserting that no particles or matter can exceed the speed of light in practical terms.
  • Some express that common sense may not align with experimental findings, emphasizing the need to consider experimental evidence over intuitive assumptions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the validity of the speed of light as an absolute limit, with multiple competing views presented. The discussion remains unresolved, with no consensus reached on the topic.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the limitations of their arguments, with some recognizing the speculative nature of their claims and the dependence on definitions of speed and measurement.

pallidin
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I can find no more a ridiculous theory that the speed of light is the absolute "speed limit" of any and everything, especially given it's extremely low scale on the ruler of infinity.
Conceptually, the limit is absurd, and reminds me of horse travellers wondering about airplanes.
 
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pallidin said:
I can find no more a ridiculous theory that the speed of light is the absolute "speed limit" of any and everything, especially given it's extremely low scale on the ruler of infinity.
I agree. Let's just call C=1. :biggrin:
 
unfortunately Palladin, it also puts a limitation on physics and I don't mean this in a negative sense. It just means that this branch of physics whilst entirely valid is only a small step to understanding the bigger picture.

Maybe in a thousand years our approach to physics will be different. This is possible. But for this way of looking at the physical reality the speed of light as being a universal constant is entirely justified and consistent.
 
I can find no more a ridiculous theory that the speed of light is the absolute "speed limit" of any and everything, especially given it's extremely low scale on the ruler of infinity.

Speed of Light Debunked, hold the front page physicsforums.com member "pallidin" finds radical new argument against the constancy of the speed of light, he claims its "ridiculous". Scientists around the world are trying to come to terms with this shocking discovery

Oracle
 
Sure, I have no evidence to support this contention(hence my posting in Theory) and I certainly understand all the arguments related to it, but I find it of interest that in a previous posting related to this discussion, someone suggested that measurements greater than c are inherently problematic; much like measuring 200 volts with a 100 volt max-scale voltmeter, as was alluded.
I must admit, that is a good point.
 
Well palladin, your whole argument about being on the ruler of infinity is also quite faulty. Anything is quite small on the ruler of infinity. Non-discrete mathematics isn't a good way to debunk somewhat discrete physics..I mean, any speed is quite small on that ruler. It doesn't mean that we can't use any other speeds in anything mathematical...it just means no particles or matter at all will every move faster than photons. You can very well write x= 3*10^26 meters per second on your paper, and there, you measured a faster speed, yet it just won't ever apply to real life.
 
Pallidin, you're absolutely right insofar as the concept in absurd. Nobody would just assume this all! But experiments contradict our common-sense assumptions about the world, and common sense dictates we heed those experiments. Ironic. Besides, why should we expect our experiences at 60 or 70 miles per hour to be anything like reality at light speed?
 

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