Relativity and Cosmology

   

Einstein’s Mysterious Clocks: a Case Study in Sympathetic Magic

Authors: Stephen J. Crothers

When we want to measure something we use a measuring device appropriate for the quantity we want to measure. For instance, if we want to measure the width of a doorway we could use a tape measure or a ruler. Space is not defined by what is used to measure it; space exists independently of the measuring device. Similarly, if we want to measure the pressure in a car tyre we use a pressure gauge. Pressure is not defined by what is used to measure it; pressure exists independently of the measuring device. In the case of measuring time we can use a clock or a watch. A measuring device is used to measure something other than itself. Any measuring device invented to do nothing but measure itself or copies of itself is unnecessary. No measuring device defines what it is used to measure. What it is to be measured is what motivates the invention of the measuring device in the first place. Strangely, in developing his theory of relativity, Einstein used his clocks to define time and thereafter spoke of his clocks. In other words, Einstein’s clocks only ever measure themselves so that clocks running at different rates means, for him, time running at different rates. In doing so Einstein detached his clocks and watches from physical reality and created a fantasyland in which clocks and watches reign supreme. His moving clocks running at different rates constitute moving times running at different rates.

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[v1] 2025-09-02 05:31:01

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