
This paper derives Special Relativity (SR) as an emergent effective theory of a discrete, process-relational network substrate. Based on the finiteness of local information processing, a universal resource constraint equation, $I^2 + R^2 + C^2 = 1$, is derived, which describes the strict competition between internal dynamics (proper time), relocation (motion), and interaction (crosstalk). The phenomena of SR---time dilation, length contraction, and the invariant speed of light---emerge not from geometric axioms but as a statistical-topological consequence of this resource economy. The Minkowski interval appears as a conservation law of process activity, identifying the speed of light $c$ as the maximum propagation rate of the substrate. This approach resolves the tension between an ontic rest frame and epistemic Lorentz invariance and makes precise, falsifiable predictions beyond the standard formulation. In particular, a Zeno-induced breaking of Lorentz symmetry is predicted: A strongly monitored quantum state should exhibit a sidereal (diurnal) modulation of its decay rate, which is experimentally verifiable. Methodologically, this work constitutes a constructive theory of Special Relativity. It transforms SR from an axiomatic principle theory into a mechanistic effective theory, generating macroscopic phenomena---such as time dilation and length contraction---as direct consequences of the substrate's microstructure. This paradigm shift is analogous to the derivation of thermodynamics from statistical mechanics.
Experimental Falsifiability, Quantum Zeno Effect, Resource Constraint Equation, Process-Relational Physics, Time Dilation as Resource Conflict, Topological Length Contraction, Ontology-Epistemology Duality, Discrete Network Substrates, Substrate Isotropy, Absolute Rest Frame, Emergent Lorentz Invariance
Experimental Falsifiability, Quantum Zeno Effect, Resource Constraint Equation, Process-Relational Physics, Time Dilation as Resource Conflict, Topological Length Contraction, Ontology-Epistemology Duality, Discrete Network Substrates, Substrate Isotropy, Absolute Rest Frame, Emergent Lorentz Invariance
| selected citations These citations are derived from selected sources. This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | 0 | |
| popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network. | Average | |
| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Average | |
| impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Average |
