Are time machines possible? (serious)

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the possibility of time machines and whether they can exist according to modern physics. It touches on concepts of causality and references to existing discussions on the topic.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asserts that time machines are not possible.
  • Another participant inquires about the specific laws of physics that would prohibit the existence of time machines, suggesting a focus on causality.
  • A reference is made to numerous existing threads on the forum that discuss time machines, indicating a broader context for the conversation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus, as one asserts time machines are impossible while another seeks clarification on the reasoning behind this claim.

Contextual Notes

The discussion lacks detailed exploration of the underlying physics and does not provide specific laws or theories that relate to the impossibility of time machines.

sumana
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
Hello.

I have read a little about time machines and going back in time, and whether that is considered possible according to modern physics.

[mentor's note - some additional text not relevant to the physical question has been removed]
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
sumana said:
Are time machines possible?
No.
 
Thanks. That's what I thought.

Can I ask which particular law of Physics prohibits it?
 
sumana said:
Thanks. That's what I thought.

Can I ask which particular law of Physics prohibits it?
Basically, it just causality. There are MANY threads on this forum about "time machines" so a forum search would likely give you some good discussion. A good place to start is the set of links at the bottom of this thread.
 
Thanks.
 
What phinds said.
Thread closed.
 

Similar threads

High School Time Travel: Is it Physically Possible? | Scientific American
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K
Undergrad What causes time dilation and length contraction
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
High School Relativity and Biological Aging: How Time Dilation Slows Cell Activity
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
Undergrad Time travel is a fact or fiction.?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Undergrad "Exploring Time Perception Across Different Regions of Space"
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
2K
High School The expansion of the Universe and time travel (By a non-scientist)
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
High School How Does Time Travel Influence Aging?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad Effects of time dilation for near-speed-of-light travel
  • · Replies 65 ·
3
Replies
65
Views
13K
High School Trying to understand what "time" is (layperson)
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
3K
High School Relativistic simultaneity and effects on time
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
926