Does the Special Theory of Relativity "form" the foundation of Modern Physics?
My question is in reference to Geoff Brumfiel's Scientific American article "Particles Found to Travel Faster than Speed of Light", about which I have two questions.
I have become engaged in discussions about this news that include some confusion about Mr. Brumfiel's wording. Mr. Brumfiel's sub-heading & a portion of the article state:
- "Neutrino results challenge a cornerstone of Albert Einstein's special theory of relativity, which itself forms the foundation of modern physics."
- "The idea that nothing can travel faster than light in a vacuum is the cornerstone of Albert Einstein's special theory of relativity, which itself forms the foundation of modern physics."
Please help me with answers to the following:
- Is it appropriate to say that Special Theory of Relativity "forms" [serves as the framework to] the foundation of Modern Physics?
- Is it appropriate to say the idea that "nothing can travel faster than light in a vacuum" is the cornerstone of the Special Theory of Relativity?
I have added highlights to my question help specify where in Mr. Brumfiel's wording the confusion rests.
(the confusion question 1 asks about is the phrase "[Special Theory of Relativity] forms the foundation", not is the foundation... If I reword the question, I may ask, "Is it appropriate to say Special Theory of Relativity serves as the framework to the foundation of Modern Physics?")