Invariant simultaneity

Abstract

The concept of the “relativity of simultaneity”, as a consequence of the Lorentz transformations, is shown to be an unproven inference based on the implicit idea that simultaneity can be determined only on the basis of synchroneity. The Lorentz transformations do imply, by interpretive inference, a relativity of synchroneity whereby a “moving” system of synchronized clocks appears to be nonsynchronous, with constant nonzero time invariant phases among the clocks that depend only on their relative fixed distances from each other. It does not seem to have been recognized that such an array of uniformly running nonsynchronous clocks, described as isochronous, can also lead to the unambiguous determination of simultaneity. The important significance of the relative temporal phases, namely the relativity of synchroneity, entailed by the Lorentz transformations is that certain alleged logical inconsistencies, asserted by both proponents and opponents of the special theory of relativity, can be readily resolved. The relativity of synchroneity does, however, raise certain other consequences that merit attention and careful consideration.