Abstract

It is shown that the theoretical resolution of the usually undestood 'clock-paradox' leads to a physical paradox, namely that a bona-fide absolute effect emerges as a consequence of a uniform motion which is supposedly of a purely relative nature. The resolution of this second paradox, due to G. Builder, leads to a physically-intelligible interpretation of Special Relativity which completely vindicates Einstein's theory and its remarkable implications. The Builder approach shows that Special Relativity, its principles and results, are a necessary and unique consequence of the existence of an absolute intertial system, such as the cosmologically based fundamental reference frame recently disclosed by astronomical observations.