Can a dimension exist that is neither temporal nor spatial?

[Dremmer]

Is it possible?

 

[haruspex]

Yes, and there are many instances. A system is often described as moving in a "state space". That ascribes dimensions to all sorts of characteristics, such as speed, potential energy, temperature... whatever you like.

 

[cosmik debris]

The number of dimensions used to describe spaces is the minimum number of independent co-ordinates needed to specify a point in that space. The co-ordinates may be any units you choose.

 

[gonegahgah]

Could reaction (aka acceleration) be considered to be a dimension. Things don't just move through time and space; they also react to each other?

 

[pmacias]

Yes, it is possible for a dimension to exist that is neither temporal nor spatial. In fact, there are theories in physics such as string theory and M-theory that propose the existence of additional dimensions beyond the three spatial dimensions and one temporal dimension that we are familiar with. These dimensions are often referred to as "hidden" dimensions or "compactified" dimensions, as they are thought to be curled up or compacted in some way that makes them imperceptible to us in our everyday experiences. While we currently have no direct evidence for the existence of these dimensions, they are a crucial part of many theoretical models that attempt to unify the fundamental forces of nature. Further research and experimentation may one day provide evidence for their existence.