Can Closed Timelike Curves Make Time Travel Possible?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the feasibility of time travel, concluding that it is not possible due to the nature of time itself. Participants argue that time is perceived as a flow due to memory and future projections, rather than a tangible entity. The concept of "closed timelike curves" in general relativity is introduced as a theoretical framework for time travel, but the consensus is that this leads to a predetermined universe devoid of free will, making time travel implausible.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of general relativity
  • Familiarity with the concept of closed timelike curves
  • Knowledge of philosophical implications of time perception
  • Basic grasp of determinism versus free will
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of closed timelike curves in general relativity
  • Explore philosophical discussions on the nature of time and free will
  • Study the concept of time perception in cognitive science
  • Investigate theoretical models of time travel in physics
USEFUL FOR

Philosophers, physicists, and anyone interested in the theoretical implications of time travel and the nature of time itself.

D00dman
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Hey guys,
Why you think time travel will be or won't be possible either now or in the future?
 
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"Time Travel" won't be possible, ever. Primarily because time does not really exist, only "now"... We perceive a "flow of time" only because we can "remember the past" in various ways, and because we can project our thoughts into (plan for) "the future."

In a Universe where "time travel" is possible, every "now" that has ever happened (past or future) must already have happened, with each separate "now" forever existing in some strange "frozen" state, to which a "time traveler" could then presumably navigate back and forth...

This (a completely predetermined and never-changing Universe, with no free will) should be enough to convince you that you can forget about "time travel"...
 
D00dman, if you have a specific reference you would like to discuss then we can do that. But as you can see the question as posed is too broad and encourages unsupported personal speculation.

The technical term for time travel that may be possible in general relativity is "closed timelike curves". You should be able to find a good reference.
 

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