Prof. Muni Mahendra Kumar
We have seen that with the advent of theory of relativity, a revolution came in the modern physics. Together with many other concepts, the concepts of space and time also got changed. We shall try to compare the post-Einstein concept of space and time with the Jain concept.
There are two aspects of the theory of relativity regarding the nature of space and time:
- The relativity of space and time.
- The reality of space and time.
We shall first discuss the former.
The special theory of relativity of Dr. Einstein states: “It is impossible to determine the absolute motion of any uniformly moving system by any experiment whatsoever.” On the basis of this theory it is usually interpreted that there is no existence of absolute space. If this is the true interpretation, the theory of relativity does not become consistent with the Jain metaphysics. But, the above interpretation is not unanimously accepted, and it seems, that it is not the true interpretation.
