Could There be a Preferred Time in the Universe?

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In summary, Lee Smolin's book "Time Reborn" discusses shape dynamics as a way to reconcile the existence of a preferred time on a universal scale with the principle of relativity on smaller scales. Smolin argues that this preferred time is not absolute, but rather determined dynamically based on the distribution of matter and fields in the universe.
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I just read Lee Smolin book Time Reborn. It's published in April this year. Are there arguments or mathematical proof in relativity that what he described couldn't occur (concerning Preferred time that is perceptible at the scale of the universe as a whole, with the validity of the principle of relativity on smaller scales)?

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Smolin: "I describe shape dynamics, which is a new way of reconciling the existence of a preferred time that is perceptible at the scale of the universe as a whole, with the validity of the principle of relativity on smaller scales.

... the preferred time in shape dynamics is not absolute, it is determined dynamically as a result of the distribution of matter and fields in the universe."
 
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What is Lee Smolin's Preferred Time theory?

Lee Smolin's Preferred Time theory is a hypothesis proposed by theoretical physicist Lee Smolin which suggests that time is not an absolute concept, but rather a property that emerges from the interactions between particles in the universe.

How does Smolin's Preferred Time theory differ from other theories of time?

Unlike other theories, such as Einstein's theory of relativity, which view time as a fundamental aspect of the universe, Smolin's Preferred Time theory suggests that time is not a fundamental concept, but rather an emergent one that arises from the interactions between particles.

What evidence supports Smolin's Preferred Time theory?

Currently, there is no direct evidence to support Smolin's Preferred Time theory. However, some physicists argue that the theory could potentially resolve some of the problems and paradoxes that arise in other theories of time, such as the arrow of time and the measurement problem in quantum mechanics.

What are the criticisms of Smolin's Preferred Time theory?

One of the main criticisms of Smolin's theory is that it is difficult to test and lacks empirical evidence. Additionally, some argue that the theory is too speculative and goes against well-established principles in physics, such as the concept of spacetime in Einstein's theory of relativity.

How does Smolin's Preferred Time theory relate to the concept of time in philosophy?

Smolin's Preferred Time theory has sparked discussions in the philosophy of time, particularly regarding the nature of time and whether it is a fundamental aspect of the universe or an emergent one. Some philosophers argue that the theory challenges traditional notions of time and raises questions about the nature of reality.

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