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

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the distinction between Closed Timelike Curves (CTCs) in theoretical physics and fictional time loops depicted in movies. CTCs are grounded in the framework of general relativity, while cinematic time loops often lack scientific basis, serving primarily narrative purposes. Dale's insights highlight the absence of logical consistency in most portrayals of time travel in media. The conversation emphasizes that while CTCs are a legitimate topic of scientific inquiry, time loops remain a fictional construct.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of general relativity and its implications for time travel
  • Familiarity with the concept of Closed Timelike Curves (CTCs)
  • Knowledge of narrative structures in film and television
  • Critical thinking skills to analyze scientific versus fictional representations
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mathematical framework of Closed Timelike Curves in general relativity
  • Explore the portrayal of time travel in popular films and their narrative techniques
  • Study the philosophical implications of time travel and its paradoxes
  • Investigate scientific critiques of time travel as presented in media
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, filmmakers, writers, and anyone interested in the intersection of science and fiction regarding time travel concepts.

TheQuestionGuy14
Messages
158
Reaction score
8
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.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
One is probably fictional and the other is definitely fictional.
 
  • Like
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.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Dale
@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.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Okay, what exactly makes a timelike curve closed?
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
High School What Are Closed Timelike Curves and Common Misunderstandings About Them?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Undergrad Is this a closed spacelike curve?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Undergrad Find CTCs in Kerr Metric: Visualizing Spacetime Geometry
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Undergrad "Exploring Time Perception Across Different Regions of Space"
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
2K
Undergrad Do existing EFE solutions support Closed Timelike Curves?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
924
Graduate How do closed timelike curves avoid mass discontinuities in spacetime?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad What Makes Closed Timelike Curves Physically Possible in Godel Universes?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Graduate Condition for close timelike curve?
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
High School Mechanics behind curved time causing gravitation/geodesics
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
7K