Is asymmetric time dilation in twin paradox possible in SR?

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The discussion centers on the twin paradox and whether special relativity (SR) can adequately explain the aging difference between twins when one travels at high velocity and returns. Participants debate the implications of acceleration, arguing that both twins experience symmetrical effects in their respective frames until one accelerates. The key point of contention is whether the traveling twin's acceleration creates an asymmetry that leads to a measurable difference in aging, as SR suggests the traveling twin will age less. Some argue that the effects of time dilation and clock rates cancel out, while others assert that the acceleration definitively breaks the symmetry. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the complexities of applying SR to scenarios involving acceleration and the subjective nature of time perception in different frames.
  • #31
arindamsinha said:
It seems an area where relativity theory seems to still have a gap - it may be consistent and predictive, but does not explain the physical principle behind one of the basic concepts it uses - the 'inertia' behind the inertial frame.
What you are asking for is impossible. Inertia is part of the postulates of relativity. It is not possible for any theory to explain it's own postulates. All it can do is use its postulates to explain other phenomena. All we can ask of any theory is for it to be "consistent and predictive".
 
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  • #32
DaleSpam said:
What you are asking for is impossible. Inertia is part of the postulates of relativity. It is not possible for any theory to explain it's own postulates. All it can do is use its postulates to explain other phenomena. All we can ask of any theory is for it to be "consistent and predictive".

All I asked was whether there was some other credible theory that does explain inertia. I don't think that is asking for the impossible.

Is it so wrong to even be inquisitive about the reason behind a 'postulate' of a great theory?
 
  • #33
arindamsinha said:
All I asked was whether there was some other credible theory that does explain inertia. I don't think that is asking for the impossible.
I wasn't objecting to that part of your post. It is perfectly fine to look for more fundamental theories in which the postulates of less fundamental theories can be explained. However, the more fundamental theory will also have postulates that are not explained, even if it is a complete theory of everything. So having unexplained postulates does not constitute a gap in a theory and the only standard to judge theories is their being consistent and predictive. That is why I was objecting to the quoted part of your post.
 

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