Quantum view of time versus relativistic view of time

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the contrasting views of time from relativistic and quantum perspectives, particularly in the context of a research project questioning whether our perception of time is an illusion. Participants explore the implications of these views on concepts like free will and the nature of time itself.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Philosophical

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in the clash between the relativistic view of time and the quantum view, seeking opinions on the implications of this conflict.
  • Another participant notes that modern Quantum Field Theory incorporates the relativistic view of space and time, suggesting that the two do not actually clash.
  • It is mentioned that early versions of quantum mechanics conflicted with special relativity, but this issue has been resolved for decades.
  • A participant describes the relativistic perspective as implying a block universe with no flow of time, while the quantum perspective, particularly through many worlds theory, suggests a quantifiable and possibly choppy nature of time.
  • One participant argues that both views are philosophical interpretations influenced by personal preferences rather than scientific evidence, referencing the A-series and B-series concepts in philosophical literature.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit disagreement regarding the compatibility of the relativistic and quantum views of time, with some asserting they clash and others arguing they are compatible. The discussion remains unresolved on this point.

Contextual Notes

The discussion touches on philosophical interpretations of time that may not align with scientific consensus, highlighting the complexity and nuance in understanding time across different frameworks.

Jonny Cruz
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I'm doing a research project on time, the title being "Is our perception of time an illusion?" I have essentially established two main viewpoints, being the relativistic view of time and the quantum view. They both clash of course like in every other way, so I am interested to see if anyone has any opinions or comments regarding my question and even if they agree on wider implications like free will. I am less informed on time in quantum mechanics so input on that would be appreciated.
 
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Jonny Cruz said:
I'm doing a research project on time
If this is a school project, what level?
 
jtbell said:
If this is a school project, what level?
Well I am in year 12 in England if that's what you mean I don't know how that translates to the US
 
Jonny Cruz said:
I'm doing a research project on time, the title being "Is our perception of time an illusion?" I have essentially established two main viewpoints, being the relativistic view of time and the quantum view. They both clash of course like in every other way, so I am interested to see if anyone has any opinions or comments regarding my question and even if they agree on wider implications like free will. I am less informed on time in quantum mechanics so input on that would be appreciated.
Can you post a few links to the reading you've been doing on your project? :smile:
 
Jonny Cruz said:
I have essentially established two main viewpoints, being the relativistic view of time and the quantum view. They both clash of course
That could be a problem. The modern Quantum Field Theory uses the relativistic view of space and time. So they don't clash.

Early versions of quantum mechanics did clash with special relativity, but that has been resolved for several decades.
 
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berkeman said:
Can you post a few links to the reading you've been doing on your project?

Is that a good idea? I suspect most links on this topic will not meet PF guidelines. The question is philosophical, not scientific.
 
Vanadium 50 said:
Is that a good idea? I suspect most links on this topic will not meet PF guidelines. The question is philosophical, not scientific.
Oh, oops, sorry. I did not realize that. Thanks V50.
 
Dale said:
That could be a problem. The modern Quantum Field Theory uses the relativistic view of space and time. So they don't clash.

Early versions of quantum mechanics did clash with special relativity, but that has been resolved for several decades.
Oh right from I had gathered relativity implies that we live in a block universe with no flow of time due to things like the relativity of simultaneity and other things. Whereas thinking of time in quantum mechanics there are things like many worlds theory which preserves ideas like free will and even the idea that time is quantifiable, suggesting that our reality is actually a set of freeze frames like in a movie with each freeze frame havinga time interval of the Planck time. This implies that there is no flow of time and rather time is choppy and quantifiable, its just we can't see it. So it seemed like they clashed.
 
Both of those views of time are philosophical interpretations, and they are determined by one's philosophical preferences rather than any scientific evidence. I believe that the philosophical literature calls them A series and B series.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/A-series_and_B-series

But either are compatible with both the evidence and the math of relativity and quantum mechanics.
 

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