From: Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity: The Two Big Ideas That Changed Physics
perspectivehistorical

Before Einstein, physicists believed in an 'ether' — a special medium carrying light waves. The Michelson-Morley experiment failed to find this ether, puzzling scientists. Einstein’s two postulates discarded the idea of ether and resolved these puzzles. His theory marked a major turning point, moving physics away from absolute space and time to a new understanding of the universe.

controversy

Supporting arguments

  • Ether was never detected despite many experiments.
  • Einstein's theory explained experiments without ether.
  • It led to the development of modern physics.
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The laws of physics are the same in all inertial frames of reference.
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Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity: The Two Big Ideas That Changed Physics
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