Mass Bending Space: Theories Explored

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    Bend Mass Space
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of mass and its relationship with space, particularly focusing on the idea that mass may not just bend space but could be considered as bent space itself. Participants explore various theories and metaphors related to this concept.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that mass is not merely bending space but is essentially bent space, questioning if previous theories have supported this view.
  • Another participant seeks clarification on the initial claim, indicating a need for further explanation.
  • A metaphor is introduced comparing space to a web, with mass described as the pulling and clumping of that web, though this metaphor is challenged by another participant.
  • One participant argues that metaphors oversimplify complex concepts and should not be used to derive properties in scientific theories.
  • A later post asserts that mass is not spacetime but rather compact energy, while noting a dependency between mass and spacetime for their existence.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the use of metaphors in scientific discussions, with some supporting the metaphorical approach and others contesting its validity. There is no consensus on the relationship between mass and space, as multiple interpretations are presented.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes unresolved definitions of mass and spacetime, as well as the implications of using metaphors in scientific reasoning.

brian44cali
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It seems obvious to me that mass isn't just bending space but it's essentially bent space. Have any previous theories shown this before?
 
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What do you mean by that?
 
DaleSpam said:
What do you mean by that?


To put it metaphorically: Space is a web and mass is just the pulling and clumping of that web.
 
Well that's the trouble with metaphors. Metaphors make something complex seem simpler, but that doesn't mean that one can take the simple model and interpolate properties into the complex model.

Which is why theories don't deal with metaphors.
 
brian44cali said:
To put it metaphorically: Space is a web and mass is just the pulling and clumping of that web.
What do you mean by that.
 
Mass is NOT spacetime (rather, it is extremely compact energy), though if I remember correctly they are dependent on each other for existence.
 

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