Ellis on an evolving block universe (gr-qc/0605049)

In summary: They are not reality in and of themselves. Neither is determinism the only possible perspective on the universe.
  • #1
robphy
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Ellis on an "evolving block universe" (gr-qc/0605049)

Here's an interesting article I just browsed through:

gr-qc/0605049

Physics in the Real Universe: Time and Spacetime
George F. R. Ellis

The Block Universe idea, representing spacetime as a fixed whole, suggests the flow of time is an illusion: the entire universe just is, with no special meaning attached to the present time. This view is however based on time-reversible microphysical laws and does not represent macro-physical behaviour and the development of emergent complex systems, including life, which do indeed exist in the real universe. When these are taken into account, the unchanging block universe view of spacetime is best replaced by an evolving block universe which extends as time evolves, with the potential of the future continually becoming the certainty of the past. However this time evolution is not related to any preferred surfaces in spacetime; rather it is associated with the evolution of proper time along families of world lines

http://arxiv.org/abs/gr-qc/0605049

(This, of course, is the Ellis of "Hawking/Ellis" and "Ellis/Williams".)
 
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  • #2
A few words of warning - I think this is an attempt by Ellis, a Templeton Prize winner, to give a scientific basis to some of his spiritual and philosophical views.

For examplle from section 4.1 of this paper: "The block universe picture has sometimes been used as an argument against free will (Brennan 2006); but the physics implied in that picture is not sufficient to even begin contemplating issues of free will. This description does not provide a valid context for that discussion. The more complex view presented here provides an adequate context for that discussion, and does not give evidence against the existence of free will; on the contrary, it is broadly congruent with such existence."

Writing elsewhere, Ellis says "In order for ethical choices to be meaningful, it is crucial that the human mind has free will."

I, too, think that this looks like an interesting article.

Regards,
George
 
  • #3
Is not there a basic philosophical error in assuming that simply drawing a space-time diagram, which automatically entails observing a block universe, itself proves that the future is predetermined and we have no free will?

Such a timeless perspective may be 'God's' POV but it is not ours, nor any other observer within space-time, for whom the 'passing of time' is not an illusion but the most basic fact of conscious awareness.

The question of the relativity of simultaneity may be a problem for God but never for us, because we can never obtain information from events that lie in our future light-cone only from our past light-cone.

Garth
 
  • #4
*
The question of the relativity of simultaneity may be a problem for God but never for us, because we can never obtain information from events that lie in our future light-cone only from our past light-cone.
*

Euh, that is even so in classical relativity: we (humans on earth) need to extrapolate our information to make well educated guesses about the future. The debate free will versus determinism is useless, there is no point in speaking about issues which cannot - even in principle - be resolved.
 
  • #5
Garth said:
Is not there a basic philosophical error in assuming that simply drawing a space-time diagram, which automatically entails observing a block universe, itself proves that the future is predetermined and we have no free will?

I guess a similar concern could be said of a well-posed initial value problem (differential equations with boundary conditions).

A space-time diagram and an IVP are merely models of certain aspects of the physics.
 

1. What is the "block universe" theory proposed by Ellis?

The "block universe" theory, also known as the "eternalism" theory, posits that time is not dynamic and constantly moving forward, but rather that the past, present, and future all exist simultaneously as one fixed entity. This means that everything that has ever happened or will happen already exists in the "block" of time.

2. How does the "block universe" theory relate to the concept of determinism?

The "block universe" theory supports the concept of determinism, which states that all events are determined by previous events and the laws of nature. This is because in the "block" of time, all events have already happened and cannot be changed, making the future predetermined.

3. What evidence supports the existence of a "block universe"?

There is ongoing debate and speculation about the evidence for a "block universe," as it is a philosophical and theoretical concept rather than a proven scientific fact. However, some scientists point to the theory of relativity, which suggests that time is relative and not fixed, as evidence that supports the idea of a "block universe."

4. What are some potential criticisms of the "block universe" theory?

Some critics argue that the "block universe" theory goes against our common sense understanding of time, as we experience it as constantly moving forward. Others argue that the theory does not allow for free will, as all events are predetermined. There is also the issue of explaining how consciousness fits into the "block universe" concept.

5. How does the "block universe" theory impact our understanding of the universe and our place in it?

The "block universe" theory challenges our traditional understanding of time and reality, and can have significant implications for our understanding of the universe and our place in it. It suggests that the past, present, and future are all equally real and that our perception of time is simply an illusion. This theory also raises questions about the nature of causation and the role of consciousness in the universe.

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