Proof of Lorentz transformation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the supporting arguments for the assumption that space and time are homogeneous, exploring theoretical implications and observational consistency. The scope includes conceptual reasoning and theoretical foundations related to the Lorentz transformation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants argue that the homogeneity of space and time is the simplest assumption and consistent with observations in the absence of tidal gravity.
  • Others suggest that there is little evidence against the homogeneity assumption, noting that the laws of physics remain unchanged despite the Earth's varying position throughout the year.
  • A participant points out that spectral lines from distant astronomical objects indicate that time and space behave consistently across different locations.
  • It is mentioned that no plausible theories exist that begin with an inhomogeneous spacetime and still predict the same observations, although some implausible theories do attempt this.
  • Another claim is that results derived from the homogeneity assumption align with experimental observations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various viewpoints regarding the homogeneity assumption, with no consensus reached on its implications or the validity of alternative theories.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the absence of detailed evidence against inhomogeneous spacetime theories and the reliance on specific observational contexts that may not encompass all scenarios.

murshiddreamengineer
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What are the supporting arguments for the assumption that space and time are homogeneous?

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murshiddreamengineer said:
What are the supporting arguments for the assumption that space and time are homogeneous?
It is the simplest assumption, and it is consistent with all observations in the absence of tidal gravity.
 
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murshiddreamengineer said:
What are the supporting arguments for the assumption that space and time are homogeneous?
Two things:
First there's pretty much no evidence to the contrary. The laws of physics don't change even though the earth is in a completely different place in winter and summer, the spectral lines from distant astronomical objects show that time and space works the same there as here, no matter which direction I point my laser I will find that the round trip time from laser to a fixed mirror and back is the same.....
And second, there's no plausible theory that starts with an inhomogeneous spacetime yet predicts the same observations.

(As a digression, there are implausible theories that do exactly that. The homogeneity assumption is also the assertion that these theories are implausible).
 
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murshiddreamengineer said:
What are the supporting arguments for the assumption that space and time are homogeneous?
Things derived from that assumption match observation and experiment.
 
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