Einstein's Argument

1. All physical evidence must be based on measurement.
2. A cartesian coordinate system attached to a reference body can be used as a frame of reference for measurement.
3. All bodies are at rest or in uniform motion relative to each other (the restricted, or special, theory).
4. The principle of relativity (in the restricted sense p16): ...natural phenomena run their course with respect to [all reference frame] according to exactly the same general laws.
5. A general law of the universe: the speed of light is constant.
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6. No, classical addition of velocities does not work; it is inconsistent with the law of the constant speed of light.
7. No, the Galilean Transformation of coordiates between reference frames does not preserve the law of the constant speed of light.
8. Yes, time and distance measurements are always relative to a frame of reference and not absolute measures. (Time and Space are not absolute.)
9. Yes, clocks slow, rods shrink when in motion.
10. Yes, the Lorentz transformation of coordinates between reference frames preserves the law of the constant speed of light.

Contributions to Ontology and Epistemology

1. What major contribution did Einstein make to the ontological question?

2. Seminar idea (KC, Nathan, Eddie): In what way have we come full circle from the presocratics to Einstein (epistemologically)?

3. Seminar idea (Ross): How does the process of cultural assimilation of revolutionary ideas happen? Where are we now in the process of assimilating the revolutions of relativity and quantum theory?