Text: "Relativity without light." The relativistic addition law for parallel velocities is derived directly from the principle of relativity and a few simple assumptions of smoothness and symmetry, without making use of the principle of the constancy of the velocity of light. Einstein's second postulate is a consequence of his first, if it is stated generally in terms of an invariant velocity rather than specifically in terms of the behavior of light. This paper removes light from its central role in relativity theory. American Journal of Physics. 52(2), Feb. 1984. p. 119-124.

See Also: relativity, light, Einstein's postulates, foundations of physics.

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