Closed Timelike Curves vs Time Loops: What's the Difference?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the differences between Closed Timelike Curves (CTCs) in physics and the portrayal of time loops in movies, particularly focusing on the retention of memories by characters. The scope includes conceptual clarifications and speculative reasoning about the nature of time travel in both scientific and fictional contexts.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the distinction between CTCs in physics and fictional time loops, seeking clarity on the concepts.
  • Another participant suggests that one concept is likely fictional while the other is definitively fictional, implying skepticism about both.
  • A third participant expresses a critical view of time travel in media, arguing that it lacks scientific or logical basis and is often manipulated for narrative purposes.
  • A later reply indicates a warning to a participant for repeated posting on the same topic, suggesting prior discussions have occurred.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the validity or nature of time travel concepts, with some expressing skepticism about the scientific grounding of both CTCs and fictional representations.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects a mix of speculative reasoning and critical perspectives on the portrayal of time travel, with no clear definitions or agreements established regarding the concepts involved.

TheQuestionGuy14
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What's the difference between Closed Timelike Curves seen in physics and the time loops in movies where a character relives a period of time over and over, but retains memories? I'm just curious about this stuff.
 
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One is probably fictional and the other is definitely fictional.
 
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Likes   Reactions: Klystron, Pencilvester, m4r35n357 and 5 others
Dale's answer is best.

I'd add that there is no science - or even logic - in the time travel of almost all shows and movies. The (psuedo)science is simply tortured into a format that makes for a g̶o̶o̶d̶ plot.
 
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@TheQuestionGuy14 , you have already had one thread on this topic closed. This makes two. Please do not post another one or you will get a warning.

Thread closed.
 

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