Logical reasoning
Appendix 1
A Summary of My Reasoning
I am attempting here to establish the following important points:
A) The physical invariance of the speed of light implies acceptance of the principle of the relativity of simultaneity at the physical level.
B) The principle of the relativity of simultaneity at the physical level is self-contradictory, as shown by the spacecraft and missile objection presented here.
C) Absolute simultaneity at the physical level must exist, since there is no third possibility beyond the relativity of simultaneity at the physical level and absolute simultaneity at the physical level.
From this, we can conclude:
D) There must be a present instant in the Universe.
E) The speed of light cannot, in every possible situation, be physically invariant with respect to different inertial frames of reference—a difference that should eventually become experimentally measurable.
Appendix 2
Logical Analysis of the Argument
According to Dr. Gilles Plante, a Doctor of Philosophy specializing in the art of critical commentary:
Propositions A, B, and C are the premises of a conditional syllogism based on the modus tollens form of argument, whose conclusions are presented in propositions D and E.
General Form of Modus Tollens
If A is true, then B is true.
However, B is not true.
Therefore, A is not true.
Application to the Invariance of the Speed of Light
If the invariance of the speed of light at the physical level holds true, then the principle of the relativity of simultaneity at the physical level also holds true.
However, the principle of the relativity of simultaneity at the physical level is shown to be self-contradictory by the spacecraft and missile objection.
Therefore, the invariance of the speed of light at the physical level does not hold true in every possible situation.
It Can Therefore Be Concluded:
D) There must be a present instant in the Universe.
E) The speed of light cannot, in every possible situation, be physically invariant with respect to different inertial frames of reference—a difference that should eventually become experimentally measurable.