Axiomatic Method and Theory of Relativity Equivalent Observers and Special Principle of Relativity

Abstract

There are two different approaches that are used to examine the foundation of relativity by means of axiomatic methods. In the first approach, it is tried to axiomatize the theory of relativity as it is now. According to the second approach, various possible ways of axiomatizing the theory of relativity are investigated to examine prospective forms of new theories. Comparing these two alternative approaches, it is noted that logical formulation is the central problem of the first, while heuristic considerations is the main part in the second. This chapter focuses on the second approach of axiomatic formulations– namely, how to formulate physical principles of relativity. In specific, the chapter deals with observers and their equivalence.