A Geometrical Characterization of the Twin Paradox and its Variants

Székely, Gergely (2008) A Geometrical Characterization of the Twin Paradox and its Variants.

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Abstract

The aim of this paper is to provide a conceptual analysis of the twin paradox (TwP) within a first-order logic framework. We give a geometrical characterization of TwP and its variants, for example, one without differential aging (No-TwP). It is shown that TwP is not equivalent to the assumption of slowing down of moving clocks and No-TwP is not equivalent to the Newtonian assumption of the absoluteness of time. The connection of TwP and a symmetry axiom of Special Relativity is also studied.

Keywords:twin paradox; geometrical characterization; logical foundations; axiomatization; special relativity
Subjects:Specific Sciences: Mathematics
Specific Sciences: Physics: Relativity Theory
ID Code:4103
Deposited By:Székely, Gergely
Deposited On:12 July 2008
Additional Information:16 pages, 3 figures