Mach's principle and the reciprocal symmetry of nature

Abstract

This article develops the postulate that spacetime-charge inversion invariance reflects a fundamental reciprocal symmetry in nature between the two long range forces, from which the derivation of Mach's principle (i.e., the principle that the fundamental parameters of the electromagnetically elementary charged particle are related to those describing the electromagnetically observable universe) follows quite easily. Interpreting this result, it is argued that relativity and quantum mechanics can be made conceptually compatible and mathematically consistent by this reciprocal symmetry if one realizes that relativity isboth a macroscopic, semiclassical theory (i.e., the “global half of relativity,” described by Eq. (1.1), including special and general relativity) and a microscopic theory (i.e., the “local half of relativity,” described by Eq. (2.1), including relativistic quantum mechanics and field theory). The reciprocal symmetry of nature, then, promises unique (differential and/or integral) relationships between the coordinate variables of the “observers” of these tworeciprocally related theories, which implies unique, consistent numerical values for the scalar curvatureR, the massM, and the critical density for “closure,”ρ c, of the observable universe [derived from the elementary particle parameters (i.e., the electron mass and Coulomb radius)]. With this symmetry we also postulate a plausible mechanism for spontaneous generation of matter from the ubiquitous (zero-mass ether) “nothingness” of the “Dirac sea” of “filled negative energy states,” and can consistently interpret both the positive and negative-energy state solutions of Dirac's equation for massive, spin-1/2 (i.e., fermion) particles and both the advanced and retarded potential solutions of electromagnetic field equations. It is pointed out that, with this interpretation of the “advanced potential solutions” from electromagnetic field theory, one can actuallyderive causality from electromagnetic theory.