Fredrik said:
Claims like that are fine, because they describe the mathematical spacetime that's used in general relativity, which is by far the best theory of time (and space, motion and gravity) that we have. I think people should understand that the mathematical concept isn't the same as the real-world concept, and that the relationship between the two is specified by an axiom of the theory, but I don't think we can change the way we talk to reflect that fact every time we say something about time. That would make any statement about physics really awkward. So we'll just continue to say things that seem to confuse the model with the real world, and some of us will try to spread the word about what statements like that really mean.
yeah, that's fair enough. I suppose part of where the "conflict" arises is that to a relatively large extent, Physics (or more generally science) is considered to be somewhat an authority on what is and is not the reality of the world around us. This could perhaps be attributable to a select few peopel within the field who make certain claims, or indeed discuss certain topics with a certain air for authority and finality.
To a certain extent the claims that are made by many in the field of science, does in fact have an impact on the "reality" of those outside the field of science, as facts are reported about the world and indeed universe we live in, with certain assertions being made on the back of those facts. This inevitably has an impact on the collective psyche, and over time will have a material affect on the way in which society conducts itself, more so on a subconscious level.
This of course can be both positive and negative as certain myths that may hold back the development of mankind, but it can also give rise to certain other myths, that appear to have the backing of scientific evidence, or as appears to increasingly be the case, mathematical evidence. For example, the notion of parallell universes is one that appears to be gathering momentum, yet there appears to be little more than speculation based on complex mathematics, to support this idea. While this may not be a mainstream idea at present, it is certainly one that appears to be gathering momentum, especially as the search is on to unify the two widely accepted, and dominant theories in physics.
If, as has been postulated, that this discrepancy can be resolved more easily by resorting to Occams Razor and the conclusion that instead of resorting to, as of yet (and possibly for quite some time) unobservable vibrating strings and floating "branes", that something previously thought to make up "the fabric of reality", but is, upon careful consideration, perhaps less an actual dimension of the universe and more a misinterpretation of mankind, based on a limited perspective of the universe, in much the same way as the concept of the planets and the sun orbiting the Earth was based on a limited perspective, or rather limited analysis of evidence.
This of course is based on the potential that the incompatabiliy of the two most fundamental scientific theories can indeed be resolved by the removal of "time" as an actual, almost physical dimension.
here is that
Problem of time lectures if you're interested. Like I said, it was beyond my level of comprehension, but it may be more intelligible for yourself.
