Inertial frames of reference, space and time measurements, and physical principles of special relativity revisited

Abstract

We give a critical analysis of the conceptual foundations of special relativity. We formulate a simple operational criterion for distinguishing between noninertial and inertial frames which is introduced prior to geometry. We associate the concept of maximal velocity with the existence of an upper bound for a set of rates of movers which travel in the same direction. We define the standard scale for reading the time flow. We refine the treatment of both Einstein's postulates, the principle of relativity and constancy of the velocity of light. The proposed ``reconstruction'' of the geometry of Minkowski space will hopefully be useful for the ongoing examination of possible Lorentz violations.