I How Does Special Relativity Affect Perceptions of Simultaneity?

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The discussion explores how special relativity influences perceptions of simultaneity through a thought experiment involving two observers and photons emitted from a moving rectangle. The internal observer perceives the photons exiting simultaneously, while the external observer sees them exiting at different times due to the rectangle's motion. This discrepancy illustrates the relativity of simultaneity, where different frames of reference yield different observations. The conversation also touches on the absurdity of claiming two separate realities based on these differing perceptions, likening it to subjective interpretations of direction. Ultimately, the dialogue emphasizes that while observers may disagree on timing, they are still describing a single reality shaped by their relative positions.
  • #31
Dale said:
The reconciliation is easy: whether something is “intuitive” or not is an opinion. Things are not objectively “intuitive” or not. Since it is an opinion, it can differ from person to person. My opinion is different from @FactChecker
Now everything is clear. Thank you.
 
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  • #32
Dale said:
The reconciliation is easy: whether something is “intuitive” or not is an opinion. Things are not objectively “intuitive” or not. Since it is an opinion, it can differ from person to person. My opinion is different from @FactChecker
Yes, I should have been more clear. The fact that light beams going forward and backward in a relatively moving IRF are measured at the same speed leads me intuitively to accept that the clocks are set differently in that IRF. So the basic conclusion that simultaneity is relative seems intuitive. More than that is not "intuitive" to me.
 
  • #33
Dale said:
The reconciliation is easy: whether something is “intuitive” or not is an opinion. Things are not objectively “intuitive” or not. Since it is an opinion, it can differ from person to person. My opinion is different from @FactChecker. He and I are allowed to have different opinions.
That's called the relativity of intuition.
 
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