The Gravity Probe B results from NASA, released in 2011, provide evidence that aligns with General Relativity (GR) but do not definitively support the concept of a 4-dimensional everyday world or block time. The findings suggest that while the data is consistent with GR, the accuracy is relatively low, leaving room for interpretation. The discussion highlights the philosophical implications of a 4-dimensional world versus Newtonian mechanics, emphasizing the need for clear definitions when debating these concepts.
PREREQUISITESPhysicists, philosophers of science, and students interested in the implications of gravitational theories and the nature of time in the context of modern physics.
The results are consistent with GR to a rather low level of accuracy. I think that is about all you can say.Descartz2000 said:Do the Gravity Probe B results provided by NASA from 2011 support and lean in favor of a 4-dimensional everyday world? The world you and I live in. Do the results argue for block time?
George: Meeting a friend in a corridor, Wittgenstein said: 'Tell me, why do people always say it was natural for men to assume that the sun went round the Earth rather than that the Earth was rotating?' His friend said, 'Well, obviously, because it just looks as if the sun is going round the earth.' To which the philosopher replied, 'Well, what would it have looked like if it had looked as if the Earth was rotating?'
Descartz2000 said:Do the Gravity Probe B results provided by NASA from 2011 support and lean in favor of a 4-dimensional everyday world? The world you and I live in.
The block universe is a philosophical idea, not a testable scientific theory. The block universe picture has been discussed many, many times on PF, e.g., https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=643851 .Descartz2000 said:Do the results argue for block time?