Einstein's relativity and quantum physics

Abstract

There are reasons to reject the idea that a field in empty space is a real physical entity. The nonexistence of the electromagnetic field and the gravitational field as physical entities leads to far-reaching consequences. The basic equations sufficient to constructclassical electrodynamics (the Maxwell equations and the Lorentz force equation) are obtained by combining quantum considerations with two premises: (a) there exists a subatomic particle, theemon, each concrete emon having a specific electric property described by aspacelike four-vector; (b) every concrete charged particle possesses a specific electric property described by atimelike four-vector. Some other points of interest are also discussed, in particular, ones related to Einstein's gravitational field as well as the “action-at-a-distance” versus “local-action” issue. Einstein's second postulate of special relativity is also shown to need some revision of principle.