Time as Dimension: Before & After Einstein's G.T.R.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of time as a dimension, particularly in the context of Einstein's General Theory of Relativity (G.T.R.) and its historical precedents. Participants explore the implications of defining time as a dimension and its utility in various frameworks, including graphical representations and transformations in physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question when time was first considered a dimension, specifically whether this notion emerged after Einstein's G.T.R. or existed prior.
  • Others argue that diagrams incorporating time as a dimension were used before Einstein and Minkowski, suggesting that the utility of treating time as a dimension is not exclusive to G.T.R.
  • A participant discusses the definitions of "dimension" and "vector," proposing that these concepts help avoid mixing units and facilitate the definition of transformations between dimensions.
  • Another participant raises a question about the definition of "dimension," particularly whether using time or any physical quantity as a vector component qualifies it as a dimension.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the historical context of time as a dimension and the definitions of related concepts, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include varying definitions of "dimension" and "vector," as well as the dependence on historical context and interpretations of physical quantities in different frameworks.

karkas
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Since when is Time considered to be a dimension?

Is it after Einstein's G.T.R. or was it considered to be one before it?
 
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karkas said:
Since when is Time considered to be a dimension?

Is it after Einstein's G.T.R. or was it considered to be one before it?

People have used diagrams with time as a dimension long before Einstein/Minkowski. For example in order to visualize movement with a static diagram. There is nothing special about considering a physical quantity to be a dimension. But in GR it proves very useful.
 
The concept of "dimension" and "vector" is just a way for us to keep from mixing different units and also to more easily define any transforms of conserved quantities that there might be between those dimensions, if any. For example, in a Euclidean space, transforms preserve distance. Also, one can imagine spaces in which the transforms are different depending on the particular dimensions involved.
 
Last edited:
Well ... first of all .. what is "dimension"? Whenever you use time or any other physical quantity as the component of some vector (including space components), is it enough to consider it as a dimension ?
 

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