Is Time Travel Possible When Objects Cannot Coexist in Different Time Periods?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of time travel and the implications of two identical objects existing in different time periods. Participants explore hypothetical scenarios involving Jack and Jill, who travel to the future, and the nature of their surroundings, particularly focusing on the basement they both observe.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes a scenario where Jack travels one year into the future while Jill remains in the present, questioning how two identical basements could coexist.
  • Another participant challenges the initial claim by asking how the two basements are considered to be co-existing if Jack has moved to the future.
  • A third participant suggests that the quantum perspective might allow for the existence of identical objects, indicating a potential disagreement with the initial claim.
  • Further discussion raises the question of whether the room travels with Jack or remains with Jill, indicating uncertainty about the nature of the time travel experience.
  • One participant asserts that only Jack travels through time while the basement remains in its original location, emphasizing the uniqueness of the basement.
  • Another participant reinforces the idea that there can only be one basement, citing the principle that matter is neither created nor destroyed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the coexistence of identical objects in time travel scenarios, with some arguing against it while others suggest that quantum mechanics may provide a different perspective. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of time travel on physical objects.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not fully clarify the assumptions regarding the nature of time travel, the definition of identity for objects, or the mechanics of how time travel affects physical surroundings.

Themuffinman
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Ok hear is a senario. Let's say time travel is possible. Jack and Jill discovered a way to travel to the future. Jack and jill are both In the same room. jack travels 1 year into the future. Jack would see his basement one year older still made up from the same matter it was made up from a year earlier. Meanwhile Jill is looking at the same basement. Two identical objects can not co exist if they did, they would not be the same.
 
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What is your point? If Jack is now in the future how are the two basements "co-existing"? Suppose Jack's time machine took a year to get him one year in the future. Would your objection still hold?
 
Themuffinman said:
Two identical objects can not co exist if they did, they would not be the same.


The quantum world would disagree...
 
Themuffinman,

Does the room 'travel' with Jack or does the room not travel with Jack and stay with Jill?
 
Only jack travels through time The basement stays were it is
 
The basement (and observer Jill) only exists for one moment in time?
 
There can only be one Basement

Themuffinman said:
Only jack travels through time The basement stays were it is

There is only one basement. Matter is neither created nor destroyed.
 

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