Open Problem in S.R. Pre-Determinism: Unresolvable Question

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the philosophical debate surrounding the implications of Special Relativity (SR) and its relationship to pre-determinism. Some participants argue that SR, when excluding General Relativity (GR), suggests a strict form of pre-determinism, while others contest this view. The conversation highlights that this issue remains unresolvable due to the lack of experimental evidence that could definitively settle the debate. Ultimately, the topic is deemed philosophical rather than scientific, leading to the closure of the thread on Physics Forums.

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  • Understanding of Special Relativity (SR)
  • Familiarity with General Relativity (GR)
  • Knowledge of classical mechanics and determinism
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Philosophers of science, physicists interested in the implications of relativity, and students studying the intersection of physics and philosophy will benefit from this discussion.

greswd
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There are two sides to this argument, some believe that the framework of SR (excluding GR) implies strict, absolute pre-determinism (i.e. fate). Some believe otherwise.

This issue appears to be unresolvable.

As such, what is the open, unresolvable question that both sides of the debate revolve around?
 
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greswd said:
There are two sides to this argument, some believe that the framework of SR (excluding GR) implies strict, absolute pre-determinism (i.e. fate). Some believe otherwise.

This issue appears to be unresolvable.

As such, what is the open, unresolvable question that both sides of the debate revolve around?
This isn't just a relativity question - the debate started fairly shortly after Newton formulated the theory that became fully deterministic classical mechanics. It wasn't settled then for the same reason that it's still unsettled: No conceivable experiment can, even in principle, settle it.

Thus, it's a matter of philosophy not science, and as such is out of scope for Physics Forums. There's nothing wrong with the question - it just doesn't belong here so this thread is closed.
 
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