Ontology of the Theory of Relativity

Abstract

Both relativistic mechanics and Newtonian mechanics are based on principles that have ontological implications. We propose a series of formalisms that rigorously define the ontology underlying mechanical theories, in order to clarify and formally establish the ontology of the physics of motion. Special attention has been paid to relativistic theories. Through the proposed methodology, the concept of ontological consistency is developed and the conditions required for such consistency to be satisfied in any theory are established. In particular, the consistency test is performed for Newtonian mechanics, special relativity theory, and general relativity theory.