Richard Feynman's Spacetime Paradox: Can We Know Things in Space-Like Intervals?

[Hyperreality]

In the Richard Feynman's Not-So-Easy Pieces, Feynman described the spacetime diagram is made up of three different regions:

1. Space-like
2. Affective Past
3. Affective Future

Feynman rised this problem

Would any paradox be produced if it were suddenly to become possible to know things that are in the space-like intervals of region 1?

If we were suddenly to become able to know things in the space-like interavals wouldn't that cause breakdown the principle of relativity? And the absolute speed of light in vacuum?

 

[quartodeciman]

Doesn't the Einstein-Podolski-Rosen conclusion say we can?

If we receive a fast moving particle at home at a certain time and determine which spin state it has assumed, then we also know the simultaneous spin state of its creation-time partner way out in space at the same time. No?

 

[R0man]

Feynman's Spacetime Paradox raises an interesting question about our understanding of space and time. In his description of the spacetime diagram, Feynman divides it into three regions: space-like, affective past, and affective future. This division is based on the principle of relativity, which states that the laws of physics should be the same for all observers regardless of their relative motion. This principle is also closely tied to the concept of the absolute speed of light in a vacuum.

The paradox that Feynman poses is whether or not any contradictions or paradoxes would arise if we were suddenly able to know things in the space-like intervals of region 1. This would essentially mean that we could have knowledge of events that are outside of our light cone, or events that are happening at the same time but in different locations. This goes against the principle of relativity, as it would suggest that there is a preferred frame of reference and that the laws of physics are not the same for all observers.

If we were able to know things in space-like intervals, it would also challenge our understanding of the absolute speed of light in a vacuum. This speed is considered to be a fundamental constant in the universe and is a cornerstone of modern physics. If we were able to know things that are beyond the speed of light, it would call into question the validity of this constant.

In conclusion, Feynman's Spacetime Paradox presents a thought-provoking challenge to our understanding of space and time. It forces us to consider the implications of knowing things in space-like intervals and how it may contradict our current understanding of the principles of relativity and the absolute speed of light in a vacuum.