On the Relativity Problem

After two eminent specialists have presented their objections to relativity theory in this journal, it must be not undesirable for the readers if an adherent of this new theoretical direction expounds his view. This shall be done as concisely as possible in the following.

Currently we have to distinguish two theoretical systems, both of which fall under the name “relativity theory.” The first of these, which we will call “relativity theory in the narrower sense,” is based on a considerable body of experience and is accepted by the majority of theoretical physicists to be one of the simplest theoretical expressions of these experiences. The second, which we will call “relativity theory in the broader sense,” is as yet by no means established on the basis of physical experience. The majority of my colleagues regard this second system either sceptically or dismissively. It should be said immediately that one can certainly be an adherent of the relativity theory in the narrow sense without admitting the validity of relativity theory in the wider sense. For that reason we will discuss the two theories separately.