Exploring the Nature of Time: A Voyage of Thought

In summary: Your Name]In summary, Richard apologizes for not being active in the group lately but takes this opportunity to share his recent insights on time being defined as the rate of change of a system. He notices that time seems to move faster on a smaller scale and slower on a larger scale, and wonders at what point time might cease to exist entirely. He also shares his thoughts on the subjective nature of time and expresses his gratitude for the open-mindedness and collaboration in the scientific community. Richard hopes to interact with the group again in the future but understands if his busy schedule does not allow for it.
  • #1
rtharbaugh1
312
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I apollogise for not being around lately, and for not having time to catch up on all the interesting interactions on these threads...my regards in haste to all.

However this narrow window of opportunity has opened, and I wanted to share my recent insights, for whatever value they may have to the group mind. Thanks be.

We commonly observe time in terms of a rate of change. We measure time by days, hours, minutes, defined in accord with the rotation of our world on its axis, relitive to our sun, the nearest star. Or, more recently, we have learned to measure time by the beat of the pulse of the race of an electron around an atom, as in the atomic clock which is the standard for time measurement in the sciences. So being, I observe that time can be defined, provisionally, as the observed rate of change of some system.

Now I have noticed that the rate of change of events on a very small scale is very fast...electrons whiz so fast around their nuclei that we can barely say they have any position as such at all, instead having to define them by their induced cloud of reactive virtual particles. Then we might say that the rate of change of systems on a very small scale is very fast.

Then if we look at the opposite end of the scale spectrum, in the realm of the very large, change hardly seems to happen at all. If events in terms of quantum froth are very fast, events in terms of the universal froth beyond the local group of galaxies are very slow. When we look at the very largest scale, the stars and galaxies hardly seem to us to change at all.

Then I wonder at what scale time might be said to cease entirely? We look at the cosmic microwave background energy and see the universe unchanged since a few hundred thousand years after the Big Event. Time has almost ceased at that scale. A little bit further on...

Anyway that's what I have been thinking and I wanted to take this chance to share. I may or may not be able to pass this way again any time soon, but I will try to come back and see if this thread collects any thoughts or interest.

Be well, fellow voyagers.

Richard
 
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  • #2
,

Dear Richard,

Thank you for sharing your recent insights with us. It is always valuable to hear different perspectives and ideas, especially in the scientific community where collaboration and open-mindedness are essential for progress. I completely understand your busy schedule and I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts with us.

Your observation about time being defined as the rate of change of a system is an interesting one. It is true that we measure time based on the rotation of our planet and the movement of particles. However, I would argue that time is a concept that goes beyond just physical changes. Time is also a measure of the passing of events and experiences, and it is subjective to each individual.

I agree with your point about time seeming to move faster on a smaller scale and slower on a larger scale. It is intriguing to think about where time might cease to exist entirely. Perhaps, as you mentioned, at the cosmic microwave background energy where the universe appears unchanged. It is a fascinating concept to consider.

Thank you again for sharing your thoughts and insights with us. I hope to see more of your contributions in the future, but I understand if your busy schedule does not allow for it. I wish you all the best in your scientific endeavors.


 
  • #3


As a fellow scientist, I appreciate your musings on the nature of time. It is a fascinating and complex concept that has puzzled scientists and philosophers for centuries. I agree with your observation that time can be defined as the rate of change of a system, and it is interesting to consider how this rate of change can vary depending on the scale at which we observe it.

The concept of time ceasing at a certain scale is intriguing. It is true that when we look at the cosmic microwave background energy, we are essentially looking back in time to a point where the universe was relatively unchanged. This raises questions about the nature of time at that scale and whether it still follows the same rules and principles as we observe on a smaller scale.

I also find it interesting to consider the role of perception in our understanding of time. Our perception of time is heavily influenced by our own experiences and the scale at which we observe it. For example, a minute may feel like an eternity to a child waiting for recess, but it may pass in the blink of an eye for a busy adult.

Thank you for sharing your insights and thoughts on this topic. It is always valuable to have open discussions and exchanges of ideas among scientists. I hope to see more of your contributions in the future. Safe travels on your journey of exploration.
 

1. What is the nature of time?

The nature of time is a complex concept that has been studied and debated by philosophers, physicists, and other scholars for centuries. It refers to the fundamental properties and characteristics of time, such as its directionality, perceived flow, and relationship to space.

2. How do we experience time?

We experience time through our perception of events and the passing of moments. Our experience of time is also influenced by external factors such as our environment, culture, and personal experiences.

3. Is time a physical or abstract concept?

This is a debated question among scientists and philosophers. Some argue that time is a fundamental property of the universe, while others view it as a human construct used to measure and organize events.

4. Can time travel be possible?

The concept of time travel is a popular subject in science fiction, but currently, there is no scientific evidence or theory that supports the possibility of physically traveling through time. However, some theories, such as Einstein's theory of relativity, suggest that time can be affected by factors like gravity and speed.

5. How does time relate to the concept of space-time?

Space-time is a concept in physics that combines the three dimensions of space with the one dimension of time. According to Einstein's theory of relativity, space and time are interconnected, and the effects of gravity can cause distortions in both space and time, known as space-time curvature.

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