Is time an illusion?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the nature of time as described by Einstein's theory of relativity. It establishes that time is relative in the context of coordinate time, which varies based on the observer's speed, while proper time remains invariant and measurable across all frames of reference. The participants debate whether time is an illusion or a convention, concluding that while coordinate time is relative, proper time is a physical fact. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the distinction between these two types of time to grasp the implications of relativity fully.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Einstein's theory of relativity
  • Familiarity with the concepts of coordinate time and proper time
  • Knowledge of time dilation calculations using the formula: Dilated time = Actual time / √(1-(v²/c²))
  • Basic grasp of inertial frames of reference in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the implications of time dilation in GPS technology
  • Study the differences between coordinate time and proper time in detail
  • Investigate the philosophical interpretations of time in modern physics
  • Learn about the effects of mass on spacetime curvature in general relativity
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, students of relativity, philosophers of science, and anyone interested in the fundamental nature of time and its implications in both theoretical and practical contexts.

L Drago
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TL;DR
According to Einstein, time is relative.
According to Einstein's relativity, all intertial frame of motion is relative and time is also relative. Let's consider Person A is sitting on a chair and is at rest with respect to surface on Earth and Person B is travelling in 80 percent speed of light with respect to planet Earth and Person C travelling at 90 percent speed of light with respect to planet Earth. Time dilation will be different for these three observers. Dilated time = Actual time / power root of (1-(v²/c²)). Dilated time is different for these. Time is the fourth dimension and curvature in that Space time coordinate is also caused my mass and GR time dilation can be observed.

Hence, is time just an illusion and the distinction between the past, the present and future is also but a stubborn illusion?
 
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L Drago said:
TL;DR Summary: According to Einstein, time is relative.
Einstein did not say that time is relative, he said that simultaneity is relative. The time along any timelike worldline is invariant and in no way relative; and anything else that we call "time" cannot be directly measured but only calculated based on assumptions about simultaneity.

And speaking of time.... It is really way past time for you to stop posting and start studying so that you will know what you're talking about when you do post.
 
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L Drago said:
TL;DR Summary: According to Einstein, time is relative.

Hence, is time just an illusion and the distinction between the past, the present and future is also but a stubborn illusion?
In relativity there are two different types of time. One is called coordinate time, and the other is called proper time.

Coordinate time is the one that is relative. I wouldn’t call it an illusion. I would call it a convention.

Proper time is invariant. It is not relative and all observers and frames agree on it. It is physical and measurable. I wouldn’t call it an illusion either.

The causal past and future of any given event is also an invariant physical fact. The present of any event is a convention, which I again would not call an illusion either.
 
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L Drago said:
Hence, is time just an illusion and the distinction between the past, the present and future is also but a stubborn illusion?
Motion and time are equivalent categories.
Without time, movement cannot be defined.
Time cannot be defined without movement.
If time is an illusion then motion is also an illusion.
I can hardly imagine any philosophical concept in which movement is only an illusion.

Edit:
If time is an illusion, then motion is also an illusion.
The activity I am currently engaged in, typing, is a kind of movement.
So this post of mine is just an illusion. Wow ...
 
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L Drago said:
According to Einstein's relativity, all intertial frame of motion is relative and time is also relative
No. All inertial frames are equivalent, all time is not relative. The time I measure on my wristwatch, for example, is the same for all regardless of their inertial motion. As I told you before, you have to think in terms of events and the intervals that elapse between them. You can't be an armchair commentator without understanding the play-by-play.

L Drago said:
Let's consider Person A is sitting on a chair and is at rest with respect to surface on Earth and Person B is travelling in 80 percent speed of light with respect to planet Earth and Person C travelling at 90 percent speed of light with respect to planet Earth. Time dilation will be different for these three observers. Dilated time = Actual time / power root of (1-(v²/c²)). Dilated time is different for these.
Word for word the same comment you recently made in another thread. You ignored my responses there and now you just parrot the same comment.

What do you mean by actual time? Between what events are you measuring the dilated time by Persons B and C? Can you give us a specific example with the calculated times? This is what I'm talking about when I tell you you can't be an armchair commentator without understanding the play-by-play.

L Drago said:
Time is the fourth dimension and curvature in that Space time coordinate is also caused my mass and GR time dilation can be observed.
A word salad.

L Drago said:
Hence, is time just an illusion and the distinction between the past, the present and future is also but a stubborn illusion?
No. Leave out the "hence" and you have paraphrased one or two of Einstein's quotes, but by including the word "hence" you are implying that you know what led him to those conclusions. In truth, it's not clear to scholars what he meant by those philosophical statements. It is certainly presumptuous by you or anyone else to claim you know what physics led to them. It may in fact be that there is none, and Einstein felt no need for there to be any.

Note: Edited for clarity.
 
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