Does time have infinite accuracy?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of time, specifically whether it possesses infinite accuracy or if it is a continuous or discrete variable. Participants explore implications related to measurement, definitions, and philosophical considerations, including references to Zeno's paradox and quantum mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question if time is a continuous or discrete variable, linking it to Zeno's paradox.
  • Others argue that accuracy is a construct based on definitions and measurement systems, citing examples from different numerical bases.
  • One participant asserts that time itself does not have accuracy, but rather that clocks, which measure time, do.
  • Another participant mentions that our measurement of time may be limited to Planck time, suggesting a boundary to how we understand time's continuity.
  • A later reply reflects on the implications of quantum mechanics, suggesting that the question of time's nature may be less significant than previously thought.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of time, with no consensus on whether it is continuous or discrete. The discussion remains unresolved, with multiple competing perspectives presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various philosophical and scientific concepts, including Zeno's paradox and Planck time, which may introduce limitations in understanding the nature of time and its measurement.

silenzer
Messages
54
Reaction score
0
Does time have infinite accuracy?

If so, how does time get past 1 second? Doesn't it get stuck at 0,111111 ... ?

If not, how does time pass from one measuring unit to another?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Are you asking if time is a continuous or discrete variable? Or something along the lines of Zeno's paradox?
 
I don't know enough in English to know what your first question means, but yes I think this is something to that of Zeno's paradox.
 
Accuracy is what we make it. It's how we define something that gives it accuracy.

The numbers are also dependent on what system we use to define them.

A simple example:

0.333333333... = 1/3, but only in the base 10 units system.

In a base 3 system, 1/3 = 0.1.
 
"Time" is a dimension of the universe. It has no accuracy associated with it. Clocks have accuracy.

Zeno's paradox is only an apparent paradox. It does not prevent a clock from counting time any more than it prevents an arrow from traveling to a target. Read the wiki on it or another description and it will be clarified.
 
Our measurement of "continuous" time may be limited to 10^-43 seconds, a unit known as Planck time.
 
I myself wondered about this previously (is time itself continuous or separated into precise moments?), but after learning a bit about quantum mechanics I realized the question was moot. Basically, the Planck time is the shortest time that has any use.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
6K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
4K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K