We briefly comment on one of the papers behind the Brans-Dicke theory and its similarities with Modified Newtonian Dynamics MOND in relation to Mach’s principle. Does a metric theory need to violate Birkhoff’s theorem to satisfy Mach’s principle?
How Carl Brans almost derived MOND from Mach’s Principle Read More »
Research in Mach’s principle lost interest by the physics community after the results of Brans-Dicke theory. Another objection often raised against Mach’s principle is the claim that it implies some sort of anisotropy of inertia. We explore this idea based on Dicke’s and Treder’s claims. Does Mach’s principle necessarily imply the anisotropy of inertia?
Why was Mach’s principle abandoned & the anisotropy of inertia debate Read More »
We have always been taught that Einstein introduced the cosmological constant in 1917 in his field equations of General Relativity to satisfy his desire of a static universe. But this is not true, and it hides the true reason why Einstein first thought about the cosmological constant: the problem of boundary conditions and Mach’s principle in General Relativity. We explore how Machian General Relativity is, and Brans-Dicke theory.
The real reason why Einstein introduced the Cosmological Constant Read More »
Special Relativity features absolute acceleration for consistency. Einstein’s wish to relativize acceleration was not achieved, not even in General Relativity. Under a Machian perspective, Special Relativity does not feature time dilation or length contraction in empty space, unless an absolute background Minkowskian metric exists. How can acceleration be relativized? Which is Mach’s solution to the twin paradox?
Relativity of acceleration and Mach’s solution to the twin paradox Read More »