The Twin Paradox: Working Toward Functional Interpretation

Authors

  • Terrance J. Quinn Middle Tennessee State University

Keywords:

relativity, Einstein, Lonergan, Tipler

Abstract

The Twin Paradox is not a new topic. What is new in this article is that it is an exercise toward interpretation that is functional, in the sense discovered by Lonergan in Method in Theology. The author being interpreted is P. Tipler; and the primary document is taken from his well known textbook. I try to lay out the basic argument in a way that reveals the operative insights, as well as the significant oversights. As it turns out, it would seem that there is neither theoretical basis nor experimental evidence for the alleged “slowing of time” for the high speed traveler.

Author Biography

Terrance J. Quinn, Middle Tennessee State University

Dr. Terrance Quinn is a Professor of Mathematics with the Department of Mathematical Sciences at Middle Tennessee State University. He holds a PhD in Mathematics from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

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