The twin paradox can indeed be resolved within the framework of special relativity without refuting its principles. The paradox arises when one twin stays on Earth while the other twin travels at high speeds and then returns. According to the paradox, the traveling twin would experience less time passing and would be younger than the twin who remained on Earth.
To resolve the paradox, we need to consider the concept of acceleration. Special relativity deals with inertial frames of reference, where objects move at a constant velocity without any acceleration. In the twin paradox scenario, the traveling twin must undergo acceleration when changing direction to return to Earth. This acceleration introduces a difference between the frames of reference of the twins.
During the acceleration phase, the traveling twin experiences non-inertial motion, which cannot be described by special relativity alone. To accurately analyze this scenario, we need to incorporate the principles of general relativity, which combines special relativity with the effects of gravity and acceleration.
In general relativity, it is recognized that the twin who undergoes acceleration experiences a deviation from a straight path through spacetime, which introduces an asymmetry in their experience of time. When the traveling twin returns to Earth, they have aged less due to this asymmetry caused by acceleration.
Therefore, the resolution of the twin paradox lies in the fact that special relativity is applicable to the inertial frames of reference, where no acceleration is involved. When acceleration and changes in the reference frame are taken into account using general relativity, the paradox is resolved, and the age difference between the twins is explained.
It is important to note that special relativity itself remains consistent and is not refuted by the twin paradox. Instead, the resolution involves recognizing the need for a more comprehensive theory, such as general relativity, that accounts for the effects of acceleration and non-inertial frames of reference.