Section A
Fundamentals
The concept on which the theoretical system is based
is that of a universe of motion; one in which everything is a manifestation
of motion. This concept, together with certain assumptions as to
the nature and characteristics of the motion, is expressed in the following
postulates:
First Fundamental Postulate
The physical universe is composed entirely of one component,
motion, existing in three dimensions, in discrete units, and with two
reciprocal aspects, space and time.
Second Fundamental Postulate
The physical universe conforms to the relations of ordinary
commutative mathematics, its magnitudes are absolute, and its geometry
is Euclidean.
In order to avoid any misunderstandings as to how the
language of these postulates should be interpreted, the following points
should be noted:
- The term “motion” as used in the posulates refers to what
may be called the scientific concept of motion, which is defined as
a relation between space and time, and measured as speed or velocity.
In its simplest form, the “equation of motion”, which expresses
this definition in mathematical symbols, is v = s/t.
- This scientific concept implies a continuous change with respect
to any reference system that is not in motion (as thus defined). The
result of this change is to alter the values of space (s) and time
(t) in the equation of motion, when these values are expressed in
relation to the stationary system of reference.
- The entire development is based on this concept, not on the name
"motion". Any other ideas as to what “motion” is, or ought
to be, are completely irrelevant, as they do not enter into the development
in any manner.
- The basic postulate of the theoretical system asserts the existence
of motion. In itself, without qualification, this would permit the
existence of any conceivable kind of motion, but the additional assumptions
incoluded in the other postulates act as limitations on the types
of motion that are permissible. The net result of the basic postulates
plus the limitations is therefore to assert the existentence of any
kind of motion that is not excluded by the limiting postulates. We
may express this point concisely by saying that anything which can
exist does exist.
- Inasmuch as it has been postulated tha tmotion, as defined in the
foregoing paragraphs, is the sole constituent of the physical
universe, it follows from Item 4 that all that
is ncessary in order to arrive at a full description of physical phenomena
is to determine the kinds of motion that can exist, and the
nature of the possible changes in these motions.
- All of the information required for this purpose is implicit in
the postulates, by definition. A development of the consequences of
the postulates therefore defines a complete theoretical universe.
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