What is Block universe: Definition and 31 Discussions

Eternalism is a philosophical approach to the ontological nature of time, which takes the view that all existence in time is equally real, as opposed to presentism or the growing block universe theory of time, in which at least the future is not the same as any other time. Some forms of eternalism give time a similar ontology to that of space, as a dimension, with different times being as real as different places, and future events are "already there" in the same sense other places are already there, and that there is no objective flow of time.It is sometimes referred to as the "block time" or "block universe" theory due to its description of space-time as an unchanging four-dimensional "block", as opposed to the view of the world as a three-dimensional space modulated by the passage of time.

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  1. S

    I In what formation does this simple block universe exist?

    This is just a rough estimate of what a simple bock universe might be to an observer in the red worldline on the left side, and what it is to an observer in one of the blue worldlines in the graph on the right side. In the graph on the left side, two blue objects moved past the red object very...
  2. F

    B Block universe theory question

    Hello, can somebody help me out please? just watched this video so far understood but if motion changes the now frame its logic if the alien cylcles to the guy sitting that his time is slower and the guys time will be in the future (time delitation). but when the alien is moving away how can...
  3. Buckethead

    B Paradox in the block universe interpretation

    Consider two observers, Alice and Bob, standing on the Earth together with synchronized clocks. Bob asks Alice, “Is this now?” to which Alice replies, “Yes, it is”. They are clearly both in the present moment. Bob climbs a mountain and some time later, due to the lower gravitational field...
  4. Ebi Rogha

    A Block universe and entropy increase

    I wonder how physicists who support this theory explain the increase of entropy?
  5. P

    Block Universe Theory: Implications & Multiverse

    The Block Universe Theory, based on Einstein's Relativity, says that past, present and future exist at the same "time", the universe is static, eternal, and things doesn't change, movement is an ilusion because you have memories from the past. But if the universe don't evolve does this imply...
  6. RUTA

    Insights Does the Block Universe of Physics Mean Time is an Illusion?

    Continue reading...
  7. Lynch101

    I Conflict between the Block Universe and Bell Tests?

    Usually questions I have of this nature are down to my limited understanding of the concepts, and this may be no different. Based on my understanding of the Block Universe interpretation of relativity, it appears to me as though there is a conflict between Bell tests and the Block Universe. To...
  8. Lynch101

    B Unlearning the Block Universe: How Relativity Challenges Our Perception of Time

    Just a heads up, this post is quite long. I've tried to be as detailed as possible from the outset because I find it can help avoid the need to clarify things later, or helps when clarifying things later. There is only one question posed at the end, but I think it might be useful to read the...
  9. Quantum Alchemy

    B Questions about Einstein and the Block Universe

    I find this subject fascinating. Einstein said the distinctions between past, present and future is just a persistent illusion. I was watching a special with Brian Greene and other Physicist who think we do live in a Block Universe and they explained it very well. Here's my question. Say there...
  10. P

    I Is the Minkowksi/Einstein Block Universe theory science?

    Hermann Minkowski (Einsteins math instructor and a mathematical physicist himself): The views of space and time which I wish to lay before you have sprung from the soil of experimental physics, and therein lies their strength. They are radical. Henceforth space by itself, and time by itself...
  11. Buckethead

    B Refined Interpretation of Relativity of Simultaneity?

    I have an image of the block universe that is probably similar to how many people view it, as a 4D non dynamical construct where the "present" is a slice of this block and this slice moves forward from the past to the future. Furthermore, depending on your relative velocity, your slice may be...
  12. T

    I Is Time an Illusion? Exploring the Block Universe Theory

    Einstein said, "The distinction between past, present and future is only an illusion, even if a stubborn one." That's my problem--that illusion is so vivid and stubborn. Paul Davies said in his book "About Time": There is only one rational conclusion to draw from the relative nature of...
  13. PhysicsClown

    I Do we live in a block universe?

    Experimental violations of Bell's inequality (Alain Aspect, et al) proved beyond a shadow of doubt that local hidden variables do not exist. However, in a 1985 BBC interview, John S. Bell said there was one loophole in those experiments that would allow for determinism: non-local hidden...
  14. N

    I Block Universe vs Presentism

    Is there a scientific difference, if not, why bother with the block universe model given it is unintuitive?
  15. PeterDonis

    Insights The Block Universe - Refuting a Common Argument - Comments

    PeterDonis submitted a new PF Insights post The Block Universe - Refuting a Common Argument Continue reading the Original PF Insights Post.
  16. Dale

    Insights PF's policy on Lorentz Ether Theory and Block Universe - Comments

    DaleSpam submitted a new PF Insights post PF's policy on Lorentz Ether Theory and Block Universe Continue reading the Original PF Insights Post.
  17. Canutej24

    Is Time an Illusion? Exploring the Concept of a Block Universe at 13 Years Old

    I'm 13, so I was reading Discover and I read something about a "block universe" and I thought it was a bunch of hogwash... here is how I see it... Time is the same for everybody its just how people perceive it that makes people think its an illusion... any feedback? Thanks!
  18. PeterDonis

    The Block Universe: Examining the Rietdijk-Putnam Argument

    [Reposted from my PF blog] The "block universe" interpretation of SR has come up repeatedly in threads here on PF. Rather than link to them, I want to summarize the key argument that is made for the "block universe" being necessary, and then summarize the arguments I made in those threads to...
  19. E

    Exploring Reality: Does Block Universe Mean Time & Motion Are Illusions?

    Does block universe mean that time and motion are illusions?
  20. T

    In the block universe, what makes this particular 'now' special?

    If each person exists in an unchanging state in the block universe, and the flow of time is an illusion caused by the way memory functions[1] (or by something else, the details are not the point), then how exactly does this sensation of 'now' work? Even if 'now' is a psychological illusion...
  21. L

    Status of the block universe in the field of physics

    Hi. I did a quick search for threads on the block universe and came across one about the implications of the block universe. That was closed though because it was too philosophical. I don't really want to know about the implications of the block universe, I'm just wondering how physicsts...
  22. Chestermiller

    Does the Block Universe Theory Affect Our Understanding of Time and Reality?

    I’m relatively new to Physics Forums, so please go easy on me guys. I’m trying to get an understanding of the so-called Block Universe concept and its implications, but I need help. I’m going to start out by articulating my current understanding, and then try to apply this understanding to...
  23. J

    Block Universe Theory: Evidence For & Against

    Hi,guys,What is evidence against and for block universe theory?
  24. B

    A Case for the 4-D Space-Space Block Universe

  25. D

    Growing Block Universe: SR & GR Compatibility

    Is the Growing Block Universe theory compatible with SR an GR?
  26. R

    Block Universe Theory: What Happens to Consciousness?

    block universe theory? Sorry everyone but I guess I just don't quite get the block universe theory. If the past, present, and future are all existing at the same time (me being born, me sitting in second grade, my death) then what would happen if I were to die in let's say 5 minutes.. What...
  27. W

    Is there slight evidence we live in block universe?

    I think QMers may know something about this.
  28. W

    Is there good evidence we live in Block Universe?

    I am fascinated with this idea.
  29. J

    Block Universe / Frozen Universe / Block Time

    In special relativity the time of two events are relative. That means that one person's present can be construed as another person's past. this would seem to imply that past, present, and future all exist in block universe--in bloock time wherein we live in a frozen universe. Does this...
  30. A

    Block Universe / Godel's Paradox / Free Will

    Hello there, Relativity implies that we live in a block universe where both the past and the future are pre-defined--they are alreay out there. Time is a fourth dimension, just like space, so it means it exists in both directions--both the past and the future. Has the paradox of "frozen...
  31. robphy

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

    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...
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