About time to think about Time

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the concept of time in the context of quantum gravity, particularly referencing the views of physicist Carlo Rovelli. Participants explore the idea of understanding the physical world without the notion of time, examining how this perspective can be applied in both classical and quantum theories. The conversation touches on the implications of treating mechanics as a theory of relations between variables rather than focusing on the evolution of those variables over time.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants summarize Rovelli's argument that a fundamental understanding of nature may require "forgetting time" and developing a formalism that treats dependent and independent variables equally.
  • There is a challenge regarding the relevance of Rovelli's views to the standard model of physics, questioning the connection between the proposed ideas and established theories.
  • Concerns are raised about the promotion of Rovelli's views without sufficient context or specific points from the referenced videos, suggesting that participants should provide clearer references to scientific literature.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the relevance and clarity of the discussion, with some questioning the focus on Rovelli's views and others seeking a more structured approach to the topic. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the appropriateness of the thread's content and its placement within the forum.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include a lack of specific references to scientific journals or detailed points from the videos mentioned, which may hinder a deeper understanding of the arguments presented.

junjunjun233
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Old qoute I (Rovelli) argue that the best strategy for understanding quantum gravity is to build a picture of the physical world where the notion of time plays no role. I summarize here this point of view, explaining why I think that in a fundamental description of nature we must "forget time", and how this can be done in the classical and in the quantum theory. The idea is to develop a formalism that treats dependent and independent variables on the same footing. In short, I propose to interpret mechanics as a theory of relations between variables, rather than the theory of the evolution of variables in time.
 
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Some discussion on Time.
 
Do you have a point? Or does everyone have to sit through 3-1/2 hours of video?
 
junjunjun233 said:
I propose to interpret mechanics as a theory of relations between variables, rather than the theory of the evolution of variables in time.
... which has what to do with the standard model?
Vanadium 50 said:
Do you have a point? Or does everyone have to sit through 3-1/2 hours of video?
A good question. I'll close this thread temporary for moderation.

Please send me another reason for this thread, than just the promotion of Rovelli's views and why you did not place it in classical physics, since your only statement is about mechanics.

It would also be a good service to our readers, if you could specify which points in the videos you want to address. They all can use youtube on their own and don't need an extra promotion. If possible quote a scientific journal where we can read about the positions you want to talk about.
 

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