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ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: ZENODO
ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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The Logical Origin of Special Relativity: A Derivation of the Postulates from a Single Logical Seed

Authors: Chan;

The Logical Origin of Special Relativity: A Derivation of the Postulates from a Single Logical Seed

Abstract

This paper presents a concise, analytic derivation of the two standard postulates of special relativity—the principle of relativity (invariance of the laws of physics in all inertial frames) and the constancy of the speed of light (a finite, invariant maximum causal speed)—from a single primitive definition of asymmetric necessary conditions between events. Without assuming spacetime symmetries, electromagnetism, or specific experiments, the argument shows that directed dependency chains (arising from asymmetry in necessary conditions) force temporal order, finite propagation speeds, strict locality, and ultimately the postulates. This provides an alternative foundational perspective that emphasizes the near-tautological nature of special relativity once necessary conditions are defined asymmetrically. Historical experiments (e.g., Michelson–Morley) confirm adherence to the derived structure but are not foundational to the argument.

Keywords

special relativity, principle of relativity, asymmetric necessity, necessary conditions, finite speed limit, strict locality, indistinguishability, foundations of physics

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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).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
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.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average