Can Time Be a Dimension If It's Just a Human Construct?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of time as a dimension, particularly questioning how it can be considered a dimension if it is perceived as a human construct for measuring change. The scope includes conceptual understanding and definitions related to dimensions in physics and mathematics.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how time can be a dimension if it is merely a human construct used to measure change.
  • Another participant suggests that understanding what constitutes a dimension is crucial, comparing time to length as both being human constructs.
  • A participant defines a dimension as a measurable property of an object, noting that time seems dependent on change, unlike spatial dimensions which are independent.
  • Another participant elaborates on the mathematical definitions of dimensions, explaining that a point in spacetime requires four numbers for identification, contrasting this with spatial dimensions.
  • One participant argues that while the term "time" is a human construct, the concept it refers to is not, suggesting a distinction between language and the underlying reality.
  • A reference is made to cosmologist Lee Smolin, who has explored similar questions in his works, indicating that this is an ongoing area of inquiry in physics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether time can be classified as a dimension and the implications of it being a human construct. There is no consensus reached on these points, and the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight various definitions and interpretations of dimensions, indicating potential limitations in understanding based on differing perspectives. The relationship between time and change is also noted as a point of contention.

MichaelH
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How can time be a dimension, if it is a human construct, to measure the rate of change?

I'm only in high school, sorry if this is a silly question
 
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Hi MichaelH, welcome to PF!

Why won't you tell us what is your understanding of a dimension first? Before you formulate your answer, consider that one could ask a similar question to yours: "How can length be a dimension, if it is a human construct, to measure the distance?"
 
My understanding of a dimension is a property of an object that is measurable in units.

However doesn't time depend on things changing, because in theory if everything stopped moving/changing time would be still. However the dimensions of length, breadth and height are independent of each other.

I'm just trying understand.
 
MichaelH said:
My understanding of a dimension is a property of an object that is measurable in units.
The mathematical definitions (there are several of them) are more like "the number of numbers required to identify a point". A point in space (a location) is identified by three numbers. A point in spacetime (an event) is identified by four. That's really all there is to it.

Physicists also use the word "dimension" for something that does have something to do with units. They say things like "v has dimensions of length divided by time" to indicate what sort of units they intend to use.

The word also means something in plain English, something that doesn't have a lot to do with mathematics or physics. For example "the dimensions of this box is 30 cm × 50 cm × 15 cm".
 
MichaelH said:
How can time be a dimension, if it is a human construct,
It is not a human construct. Using the word "time" to refer to it is a human construct, but the thing that the word refers to is not. Same with "dimension".
 
Perimeter Institute cosmologist Lee Smolin asks the same question. You will be able to understand his popular books on the subject.
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