Space-time travel in String Theory

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of time travel within the framework of string theory (ST) and its relationship to space-time geometry. Participants explore the implications of string theory on past travel and the associated paradoxes, comparing it to traditional 4D space-time models.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • AGZ questions whether time travel to the past is permitted in string theory and seeks guidance on the topic.
  • One participant references the relationship between string theory and space-time geometry, suggesting that the geometry derived from string theory can be described by Einstein's equations, implying similar conjectures to classical space-time.
  • Another participant asserts that, to their knowledge, time only travels in one direction, although the relative speed of time can vary based on different paths through space-time.
  • A follow-up comment clarifies that while the speed of time is constant, the amount of time experienced can differ based on the path taken, referencing the "twin paradox" as an example.
  • A later reply reiterates AGZ's initial question about time travel in string theory, noting that string theory operates with one time dimension and multiple spatial dimensions, suggesting that the additional dimensions do not fundamentally alter the paradoxes associated with time travel.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the possibility of time travel in string theory, with some asserting it is not allowed while others explore the implications of string theory's dimensionality on the topic. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the feasibility of past travel within this framework.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various theoretical frameworks and paradoxes, but there are limitations in the assumptions made about string theory and its implications for time travel. The discussion does not resolve the mathematical or conceptual complexities involved.

alvarogz
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Is it allowed to travel to the past in ST?. I've always thought about paradoxes in the regular framework (4D space-time).
What about ST framework?.
I need a little guidance here.

Thank you in advance,

AGZ
 
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Relationship between string theory and space-time geometry.
http://www.superstringtheory.com/blackh/blackh4.html
... in general - space-time geometry that gets extracted from string theory is also describable via the Einstein equations on scales much larger than the string.
This means you'd have pretty much the same conjectures as with classical space-time.
Also see:
http://www.astronomycast.com/2007/0...-multiple-dimensions-and-before-the-big-bang/
 
not that I'm aware of no. Time travels in one direction, but the speed at which it travels is relative.
 
samisbored said:
not that I'm aware of no. Time travels in one direction, but the speed at which it travels is relative.
No, the AMOUNT by which it travels it relative. The speed by which it travels is always one second per second but different paths through spacetime can start and end at the same point but have different amounts of time. Google "twin paradox" for more details.
 
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alvarogz said:
Is it allowed to travel to the past in ST?. I've always thought about paradoxes in the regular framework (4D space-time).
What about ST framework?.
I need a little guidance here.
String theory also works in space-time with one time dimension and several space dimensions. The fact that string theory has more than 3 space dimensions does not make any real difference concerning the paradoxes of time travel to the past.
 

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