It's Now or never -- Question about "universal" time

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on the concept of "universal" time and its implications within the framework of relativity and Lorentz Ether Theory (LET). Participants argue that while relativity suggests that simultaneity and absolute time are illusions, LET posits a singular, absolute "now" in the universe. The conversation highlights the challenges of reconciling intuitive perceptions of time with scientific principles, emphasizing that the notion of a universal moment is fundamentally problematic and subjective.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Special Relativity (SR) principles
  • Familiarity with Lorentz Ether Theory (LET)
  • Basic knowledge of the speed of light as a constant in all inertial reference frames (IRF)
  • Concept of light cones in the context of spacetime
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of Lorentz Ether Theory on modern physics
  • Explore the philosophical interpretations of time in relation to Special Relativity
  • Study the experimental validation of Lorentz transformations
  • Examine the concept of simultaneity in different inertial reference frames
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, philosophy students, and anyone interested in the complexities of time, relativity, and the nature of the universe.

  • #31
CKH said:
... Asimov's idea of assigning extraordinary material requirements to the ether as a proof by incredulity is mute.
Just as an aside from this thread, you really should learn the difference between mute and moot.
 
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  • #32
I have been tempted to respond to much of what has been said here, well, the bits I could understand anyway, but have refrained, mainly because the topics lie beyond the forum's province. However it succeeded very well in answering my query, and more, so many thanks to all.

The question turned out to be more about perception than physics, and perhaps about the relationship between the two. I could blabber on about how the limitations of the human mind might limit the advancement of physics, but I won't... except to question whether theories and equations can ever completely describe the physical world. After all, the most complete and concise description of an object is the object itself, together with rest of the universe, is it not?
 
  • #33
That sounds like a very good place to close the thread.
 

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