Can time be modeled by an asymptote?

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    Asymptote Time
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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the concept of modeling time using the mathematical idea of an asymptote. Participants consider the implications of such a model, including the representation of time's continuity and the nature of time itself. The conversation touches on theoretical aspects and conceptual clarifications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that time could be modeled as an asymptote, relating it to the idea of a line that approaches a point infinitely without ever reaching it.
  • Another participant challenges the notion of moving "toward a point" on the asymptote, indicating that the coordinates do not imply movement toward a specific point.
  • A later reply expresses a realization that a simple line could suffice to describe time, suggesting a simplification of the initial idea.
  • One participant raises a concern about circular reasoning in modeling time, arguing that motion presupposes the existence of time, which complicates the modeling process.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion contains multiple competing views regarding the modeling of time, with no consensus reached on the appropriateness or implications of using an asymptote.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the definitions and implications of modeling time, particularly regarding the relationship between motion and the concept of time.

Dkpalea
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Hello all! I'm new to this forum (and forums in general as this is my first) so please excuse my etiquette. When I was in my trig class (I'm a high schooler), we brushed up upon asymptotes, and it made me wonder: Can time be modeled by an asymptote? I like the idea of a line moving in a direction infinitely toward a point without ever reaching it. I related this to time. That is, if time never had a beginning nor will every have an end. If time could be modeled as an asymptote, what would the x and y-axis be labeled as, beginning and end of time? (Are there more dimensions? Z axis?). I can't really make sense of this, but I imagine that the line would represent the movement of time itself, moving infinitely in both directions? Has this already been done? Is time even real? Does this even make any sense?! Please enlighten me...
 
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Thinking of a moving along the curve that forms an asymptote, we would wouldn't be moving "toward a point". If our coordinate is (x,y), our y coordinate might be moving toward a point on the y-axis. But the (x,y) location isn't moving "toward a point". It's seems just a well to use a straight line to plot the time coordinate
 
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Hmmm, the answer was much simpler than I thought it would be... A simple line could describe it. I made it confusing for nothing. Thank you!
 
If we think of modeling time by something moving, this is a circular type of thinking because to have something moving presupposes you have the phenomena of time in order to have the motion.

A similar type of circular thinking plagues us when we try to model other basic phenomena - such as mass and probability. The "General DIscussions" section of the forum is the place to discuss such generalities. The physics sections are for specific questions.
 

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