Absolute time, local time, planck time

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concepts of absolute time, local time, and Planck time, exploring their definitions and relationships, particularly in the context of the Big Bang and the nature of time itself. The scope includes theoretical considerations and conceptual clarifications regarding the nature of time in physics.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that while Planck time is often considered the shortest unit of time, the shortest meaningful unit may actually relate to the transition from absolute time at the Big Bang to local time.
  • Others question the definitions of "absolute time" and "local time," seeking clarification on their implications for the shortest meaningful unit of time.
  • Some participants assert that the premise of Planck time being the shortest unit is faulty, suggesting that this affects the validity of the entire question posed.
  • There is a suggestion that if the Big Bang represents absolute time, then Planck's epoch could signify the beginning of local time, which may depend on the observer's perspective.
  • One participant notes that while some sources regard Planck time as the shortest unit, it is acknowledged that the behavior of physics at shorter intervals remains unknown.
  • Another participant expresses confusion over the question regarding the relationship between absolute time and local time, suggesting it lacks clarity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the definitions and implications of absolute time, local time, and Planck time. There is no consensus on the validity of the initial premise or the clarity of the questions posed.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include varying interpretations of time concepts, dependence on definitions of absolute and local time, and unresolved questions regarding the nature of time at scales shorter than Planck time.

sloughter
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While Planck time is usually regarded as the shortest unit of time, isn't the shortest unit of time that can exist is the time it took to go from absolute time, the big bang, to everything after that i.e. local time? Did local time exist at the instant of the Big Bang?
 
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What do you mean with "absolute time" and "local time"?
And how is that related to the shortest meaningful unit of time today?
 
sloughter said:
While Planck time is usually regarded as the shortest unit of time,

It's not, which means the whole rest of the question follows from a faulty premise.
 
Vanadium 50 said:
It's not, which means the whole rest of the question follows from a faulty premise.

In some sources like Wikipedia, Planck's time is regarded as the shortest unit of time.
 
mfb said:
What do you mean with "absolute time" and "local time"?
And how is that related to the shortest meaningful unit of time today?

If we assume that the Big Bang was absolute time was Planck's epoch the start of local time i.e. dependent upon the observer?
 
sloughter said:
In some sources like Wikipedia, Planck's time is regarded as the shortest unit of time.
It is the shortest time interval where our current physics could be valid. We don't know what happens at shorter time intervals.

If we assume that the Big Bang was absolute time was Planck's epoch the start of local time i.e. dependent upon the observer?
That question just does not make sense.
 

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