The Measure of Time and Space

The Archimedean point for redefining the concepts of space and time is the realization that conventional, rigid measuring standards and clocks do not reveal the inaccuracy of the Galilean transformation equations. For centuries, it was assumed that the length of a ladder at rest must be equal to its length in motion. The dependence of temporal and spatial distances between events on the state of motion of observers could not be recognized through mere reflection. Nevertheless, even a measurement using conventional rulers would show that the length of a ladder at rest and its length in motion differ from one another. This result, of course, would remain just as much a mystery as Einstein’s interpretation of the special theory of relativity using the example of two lightning bolts striking the embankment “simultaneously” at both ends of a moving train.

A light front always covers in space the distance corresponding to the time it takes to do so. In this respect, space and time form a unity: “spacetime.” The propagation of light is a manifestation of the absolute and constant propagation of effects in general (and, according to the idealist view, inherent in our thinking). It has no velocity of its own, but rather serves as the foundation for time, space, and velocity. The standard of measurement for space and time is the length of a light pulse’s propagation. While two photons at the leading edges of two coordinated light pulses (the signal fronts) propagate together and thus continuously remain at the same locations, the light sources moving relative to one another have moved apart from each other since the emission of their light pulses. The respective propagation lengths of the two light pulses are therefore different from the perspective of each light source. Consequently, from the perspective of observers moving relative to one another, the temporal (and spatial) distances between the event of emission and the event of arrival of the light pulses also differ. This marks the end of Newtonian physics.