Myths
Absolute Space
Points of View
Twin Paradox
Einstein's Train
Andromeda Paradox
Time in Spacetime
Clocks & Time
Velocity of Light
Myths
There are a number of myths surrounding the theory of relativity. Some are simply factual errors, like the idea that Einstein originated the concept of relativity, spacetime, the Lorentz transformation and tensor calculus. All these pre-existed Einstein's use of them.
Some myths may be due to the fact that special relativity, in it's current form, has a different conceptual framework from that expressed in Einstein's 1905 paper.
Whatever the causes may be, the myths that we look at specifically are:
The idea that Newtonian mechanics requires an absolute space.
The relationships between points of view under Special Relativity.
The Twin Paradox, which deals with differences in the passage of time.
The Einstein's Train scenario, which deals with differences in simultaneity.
The Andromeda Paradox, which deals with planes of simultaneity.
The idea that time in spacetime is equivalent to a spatial dimension.
The idea that the relationship between clocks and time is proper time.
The idea that the velocity of light is the same in all frames of reference.
