Black holes and higher dimensional universe

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between black holes and higher-dimensional universes, specifically exploring the concept of black holes as representations of our three-dimensional universe and the implications of this idea within the framework of string theory and the holographic principle.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that if black holes are two-dimensional representations of our three-dimensional universe, then our universe might exist on the edge of or entirely within a four-dimensional universe.
  • The same participant questions whether a fourth-dimensional being would perceive our three-dimensional universe as a "black hole" due to the unidirectional flow of time within it.
  • Another participant challenges the initial claim, asking for references to support the assertion that black holes are two-dimensional representations of our universe.
  • A different participant references the holographic principle, explaining that it relates to modeling certain quantum field theories using black holes in anti-de Sitter space, emphasizing that this is a mathematical tool rather than a literal interpretation.
  • This participant expresses confusion regarding the notion of time flowing in one direction after entering our universe and questions its meaning.
  • A later reply acknowledges the potential misunderstanding of the holographic principle and thanks the previous participant for the clarification and book recommendation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the interpretation of black holes and the holographic principle, with no consensus reached on the initial claims or the implications of these concepts.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in understanding the holographic principle and its implications, as well as the assumptions regarding the dimensionality of black holes and their relationship to our universe.

pibb
Messages
12
Reaction score
0
if black holes are 2 dimensional representations of our 3 dimensional universe, does that make our universe a 3 dimensional representation existing on the edge of (or entirely inside) a 4 dimensional universe? or to a 4th dimensional being would our 3 dimensional universe be considered a "black hole" since time will only flow in one direction after entering our universe?
 
Space news on Phys.org
pibb said:
if black holes are 2 dimensional representations of our 3 dimensional universe, does that make our universe a 3 dimensional representation existing on the edge of (or entirely inside) a 4 dimensional universe? or to a 4th dimensional being would our 3 dimensional universe be considered a "black hole" since time will only flow in one direction after entering our universe?

HUH ? Where did you hear that a black hole is a "2 dimensional representations of our 3 dimensional universe". Post reference please.
 
it was in string theory iirc.
 
phinds said:
HUH ? Where did you hear that a black hole is a "2 dimensional representations of our 3 dimensional universe". Post reference please.

I think he meant the holographic principle...

To the OP:

But that is really not what it says! The holographic principle says that we can model physics of certain quantum field theory with has strong coupling (i.e. difficult to calculate and solve) with a black hole in a kind of space called anti-de Sitter space in a semi-classical regime (i.e. easy to calculate with). One then translate the result back into the language of the field theory.

Note that this can be treated as a mathematical tool in calculating - there is really no way to test whether such anti-de Sitter space "really exist". Even granting such possibility, the universe would then be the boundary of this anti-de Sitter space (which has 4 space dimension and 1 dimension). But I don't think we should take this too literally. I don't understand what it is meant by

"time will only flow in one direction after entering our universe?"

By the way a good popular science book about holographic principle is Susskind's "https://www.amazon.com/dp/0316016403/?tag=pfamazon01-20".
 
Last edited by a moderator:
thanks for the reply. yeah i think it was leonard susskinds holographic principle that i must have not understood. thanks for the suggestion about the book also.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
  • · Replies 41 ·
2
Replies
41
Views
5K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 134 ·
5
Replies
134
Views
12K
  • · Replies 33 ·
2
Replies
33
Views
4K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 35 ·
2
Replies
35
Views
6K
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
3K