Special Relativity from Classical Gedankenexperiments involving Electromagnetic Forces: A Contribution to Relativity without Light

Abstract

Simply by assuming the first postulate of Special Relativity and by exploring Gedankenexperiments with electromagnetic forces, we suggest that there is a speed limit in the universe, which can be determined as a relation between vacuum permeability and permittivity. We also derive space contraction and time dilatation without referring to light. Finally, we argue that, based on previous works on the derivation of Lorentz s Transformation without light and from our results, it is possible to transform the epistemological status of the Einstein s second postulate from principle into derivation.