How Einstein discovered the Special Theory of Relativity

Abstract

Contrary to what we learn in textbooks on the Special Theory of Relativity, Michelson-Morley experiment had no direct influence on Einstein’s discovery although he undoubtedly knew about it. At the age of only 16, Einstein imagined himself standing in front of a plane mirror while he himself together with the mirror was being carried forward with the velocity of light. He asked himself the question whether he would be able to see his image in the mirror in such a situation. In trying to solve this problem he thought over the whole foundation of physics with no assistance from any physicist. He, however, profited from some discussions with a few of his colleagues (the main person being Besso) who were unknown to the world of physics. Here we try to reconstruct in our own way the arguments that perhaps led Einstein to his goal. In our effort, we are guided by some of his utterances and interviews given to different people in his later life.