How Can Space Exist Without Time?

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In summary, the conversation discusses Hawking's no-boundary proposal and the question of how space can exist without time. The speaker suggests that time is a man-made measurement and may not actually exist as an entity. They also mention the need to re-read Hawking's proposal for further clarification on his perspective of time.
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peacerenity
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Hey Guys,

I had a question about Hawking's no-boundary proposal for the beginning of the universe, in which he proposes that near the beginning of the universe, time gave way to space and the universe became a timeless 4-dimensional space.

My question is this: how can space exist without time? Isn't time necessary for change to occur within space? So if you didn't have time, and thus no change, how could space ever change from this 4-dimensional timeless space into the timed space that we currently experience?
 
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block universe picture. The universe, as a whole, isn't evolving
 
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Time is a man made measurement. I would have to re-read Hawkins proposal in order to see his references in regards to time as an entity.

However in general time does not exist it is a unit used to measure the existence of space. such as we use other units of measurement for distance etc...

not sure if that helps at all.
 

1. How can space exist without time?

This is a complex question and has been a topic of debate among scientists for many years. One theory is that space and time are interconnected and cannot exist without each other. However, some scientists propose that space can exist without time, as it is simply the three-dimensional extent in which objects and events occur. Time, on the other hand, is a measurement of the duration of events within this space. Therefore, space can exist without time as it is simply the container for events to occur.

2. Is time travel possible if space and time are not connected?

Time travel has been a popular topic in science fiction, but according to current scientific theories, it is not possible. Even if space and time were not connected, the concept of time travel would still require a way to manipulate the flow of time, which has not yet been discovered or proven to be possible.

3. How do scientists measure the existence of space without time?

Scientists measure the existence of space using mathematical equations and theories, such as Einstein's theory of relativity. They also use tools such as telescopes and satellites to observe and study the properties of space. However, the concept of time is still necessary in order to measure and understand the movement and behavior of objects in space.

4. Can space exist in a vacuum where there is no matter or energy?

Yes, space can exist in a vacuum where there is no matter or energy. In fact, outer space is mostly a vacuum with very low levels of matter and energy. Space itself is not dependent on the presence of matter or energy, as it is simply the three-dimensional extent in which objects and events occur.

5. Could there be alternate dimensions where space and time exist differently?

Some theories, such as string theory, propose the existence of multiple dimensions beyond the three dimensions of space and one dimension of time that we experience. In these alternate dimensions, space and time may behave differently, but this is still a subject of ongoing research and has not yet been proven or fully understood.

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