Why is there no symmetry in space vs. time dimensions?

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of having multiple time dimensions in addition to the three spatial dimensions. It is suggested that a fourth time dimension would be linear, allowing for a linear view of time. The fifth dimension would be planar, addressing timelines that branch off and intersect. The sixth dimension would be spatial, containing parallel and intersecting timelines. The seventh, eighth, and ninth dimensions are hypothesized to be related to orienting between realms or universes. It is noted that having more than one time dimension can lead to unpredictability and may not be possible for observers in such a universe. The conversation also briefly touches on the concept of parallel universes and the potential connection to black holes and wormholes. The conversation concludes with a
  • #1
misterq
If there are three spatial dimensions, why is there only one time dimension?
Why can't there be three temporal dimensions parallel to the spatial ones.

If there are, perhaps this is what they would resemble.

The fourth dimension could be temporal linear - the easiest way to view time: as traveling in a straight line forward. Just as a point can travel along a line, and a line can travel on a plane, and a plane can travel in a cube - so can a 3 dimensional object can travel along time. Thus if we take a look at a three dimensional object like an acorn, as it moves along time, it will develop, fall to the ground, grow into an oak, and eventually die. Thus, to use an analogy from flatland, just as a 3 dimensional being can see inside the house of a 2d person, a being that can see in all 4 dimensions can see your entire life time all at once.

In keeping with the dimensional symmetry hypothesis, the 5th dimension could be temporal planer. Just like spatial lines on a plane, this dimension can address timelines as they branch off and merge and intersect. A being that can see in 5 dimensions, can possibly see not only this timeline, but also all of the 'what might have beens' that branched off from it, all at the same time.

Then progressively, the 6th dimension would be temporal spatial. Like planes/membranes in a cube, time cubes (temporal tesseracts?) can contain paths that intersect parallel timelines. I suppose this is what science fiction would call alternate realities - where a 5d time plane could contain two time lines (for instance, one where Christopher Columbus sailed west and one where he sailed east); both timelines would generally follow the same laws of nature, etc..
Parallel time lines would be ones that originated without any basis in each other. A being that can see in 6 dimensions can possibly see the entire time space of possibilities for this universe.

Then, let's go further...

Dimension 7 would be the Temporal Tesseract Linear dimension, or as the parallel and intersecting timelines travel along a path

Dimension 8 would be the Temporal Tesseract Planer dimension, as the parallel and intersecting timelines traveling along a path move on a plane

Dimension 9 would be the Temporal Tesseract Spatial dimension.

If we use dimensional symmetry, I do not know what these three dimensions could represent.. Ways of orienting between realms or universes?

Well, that is my hypothesis. If any of you have any thoughts on this or recommendations for any good guides to higher theoretical math so I can try to disprove this mathematically, I would appreciate it.
 
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  • #2
i just recently found this article on why we have three spatial dimensions and one time dimension:

http://www.hep.upenn.edu/~max/dimensions.pdf

basically, more that one time dimension destroys predictability so it isn't possible to have observers in such a universe.
 
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  • #3
this brings up the point of parallel universes in my mind.. if your philosophy of the 9 dimensions are accurate, then what would be considered a black hole? a warp through dimensions, or a convergence of all of them? maybe I am a lil over my head with this, but i find it a very interesting topic. another way to think of time is like a recording, are wormholes the playback button?
it sounds like your talking of higher dimensions as some sort of extra-sensory perception of time.
 
  • #4
Until the problem is solved or if the very expansion of the universe constitutes a different ticking from the rotation in every planet and the measure of time depending on eventual observers in different places or simultaneous times... the fact is we have more theories regarding the space of the cosmos. Now they say it got to be like Potato Crisp or trumpet!:
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/science_technology/story.jpg?story=511575
Who knows, maybe the adress of the site is shown complete this time!
 
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  • #5
No it didn't! After "world" write:
/science_technology/story.jpg?story=511575
 

1. Why is there no symmetry in space vs. time dimensions?

The lack of symmetry between space and time dimensions is due to the fundamental differences in their nature and properties. Space is three-dimensional and has directionality, while time is one-dimensional and has a fixed direction. Additionally, space is continuous, meaning it can be divided into smaller and smaller units infinitely, while time is discrete, consisting of a series of moments that cannot be divided. These inherent differences make it impossible for space and time to be symmetrical.

2. Can space and time be interchangeable?

No, space and time cannot be interchanged. While both are used to describe the physical world, they are fundamentally different concepts. Space is used to describe the location and movement of objects, while time is used to measure the duration of events. Interchanging them would lead to a complete disruption of our understanding of the physical world.

3. Is space-time symmetry possible?

Space-time symmetry is not possible in our universe. This is because the laws of physics are not the same in all directions in space or at all points in time. For example, the laws of gravity are different on Earth than they are in outer space. Additionally, the concept of symmetry requires a fixed reference point, which does not exist in the constantly expanding and changing universe.

4. Are there any theories that propose space-time symmetry?

Some theories, such as the Theory of Relativity, suggest that space and time are interconnected and cannot be separated. However, these theories do not propose complete symmetry between space and time. They still acknowledge the fundamental differences between the two dimensions and how they interact with each other.

5. How does the lack of symmetry in space vs. time dimensions affect our understanding of the universe?

The lack of symmetry between space and time dimensions plays a crucial role in our understanding of the universe. It helps us explain phenomena such as gravity, the speed of light, and the concept of time dilation. Without this asymmetry, our understanding of the physical world would be drastically different, and many scientific principles and theories would not exist.

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