The discussion revolves around the implications of time dilation from special relativity and whether it could lead to extraordinary abilities, akin to those found in science fiction. Participants explore the theoretical and practical aspects of time dilation, questioning its potential applications and relevance.
Participants express differing views on the potential of time dilation to provide extraordinary abilities, with some skeptical of the idea and others exploring its implications. No consensus is reached regarding the existence of "tremendous abilities" derived from time dilation.
The discussion reflects varying interpretations of the relevance and application of time dilation, with some participants emphasizing its theoretical importance while others question its practical benefits.
No...Englishman said:Based on time dilation from special relativity, will we be able to utilise the effects, thereby granting us tremendous abilities? Will we be able to move out of the realm of science fiction?
I don't know, like perhaps, running incredibly fast relative to others?HallsofIvy said:What "tremendous abilities" did you have in mind?
So there is nothing to be gained from learning about time dilation and the Lorentz contraction, except the accumulation of knowledge of them?HallsofIvy said:Since you would already have to be moving incredibly fast to have the time dilation, they wouldn't notice!
If you were moving at, say .9c in a space ship, relative to some other person, and could look at each other, while you are walking along your space ship, they walking along their frame, they would see you walking slowly because your time has "dilated" relative to them and you would see them moving at .9c relative to you and would see them walking slowly for exactly the same reason.
I'm not sure how you would get that from what was said. The concepts are extremely important for devices that require precise time calculations or speed calculations, for example (like GPS satellites). It's just that that isn't what I'd call a "tremendous ability".Englishman said:So there is nothing to be gained from learning about time dilation and the Lorentz contraction, except the accumulation of knowledge of them?
russ_watters said:I'm not sure how you would get that from what was said. The concepts are extremely important for devices that require precise time calculations or speed calculations, for example (like GPS satellites). It's just that that isn't what I'd call a "tremendous ability".