Concepts of space, time and movement in Classical Mechanics and Theory of Relativity

Abstract

Galileo’s Principle of Relativity (GPR) states that the laws of mechanics are the same in any inertial frame of reference. By determining that all inertial reference frames are equivalent, this principle implies a relativity of motion. On the other hand, even considering the GPR as fundamental for mechanics, Isaac Newton introduces the concepts of absolute time and space and presents arguments, of a dynamic nature, in defense of absolute motion, justified by the differentiation between inertial and non-inertial reference frames. The Special Relativity Theory (SRT) criticizes the notions of absolute time and space, but preserves the privileged role of inertial reference frames in the description of the laws of nature. Only with the General Relativity Theory (GRT) is equivalence established between all references, regardless of their state of motion and, thus, the notion of absolute motion is overthrown. This work aims to discuss the main doubts and issues that arise when studying the aforementioned concepts, as well as to investigate the apparent dubiousness between the PRG and the absolutemovement.

Keywords:
space and time; absolute motion; inertial frame of reference; principle of relativity