anomalmouse

I'd guessed that might be the case but appreciate the detailed answer. As a predeterminist you can't blame me for asking.

Thanks IM, but if I were to push down in the middle, since it's a finite length (and hypothetically rigid), the distance between either end would have to reduce (according to whatever the trigonometry equation dictates), as I actually push down - so my action in the middle dictates a reaction at either end instantaneously? If the string cant stretch, either end has to move?

It seems to me the disturbance caused by cutting or pushing down on the string will propagate at a speed less than the speed of light. The string is, after all, made up of molecules, and the disturbance to molecules in the center has to be transmitted outward in both directions to adjacent molecules. This takes a finite amount of time which is less than the speed of light. So no contradiction with special relativity.

Hypothetical theory allowing for the transmission of information to be passed between two points at greater than the speed of light.

Or a theory about string (but not a string theory).

Imagine a piece of string one au in length being held taught by two opposing spacecraft attempting to fly in opposite directions.

If I cut the string in the middle, the two spacecraft will fly apart almost instantaneously, whereas from the middle, it would take four minutes for light to reach either spacecraft.

alternatively I could just push down in the middle, both ships should instantaneously feel increased force pulling them backwards, faster than it would take light to travel between the point of depression, and either spacecraft.

Take that relativity!

Disclaimer!!!

I appreciate relativity precludes a number of physical properties because of their contradictory nature (such as a perfect rigid body), and guess that the tension carried in any conceivable substance might be offset over large distances by an element of stretchiness?