Time in String Theory: Directionality of Time

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the nature of time in string theory, particularly whether time can run in multiple directions or if it is inherently asymmetric. Participants explore the implications of string theory on the understanding of time as a dimension, comparing it to traditional theories such as relativity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether string theory treats time similarly to spatial dimensions, specifically if it allows for time to flow in more than one direction.
  • Others emphasize the need for precise definitions when discussing concepts like "directionality" and "asymmetry" in time.
  • One participant suggests that string theory does not differ from ordinary relativity regarding the direction of time, asserting that the arrow of time has a single direction.
  • Another participant raises the idea of a higher-dimensional space (BULK) and questions whether time exists in this context and how many time dimensions it might have.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of time in string theory, with some asserting that it aligns with relativity while others propose alternative considerations related to higher dimensions. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specifics of time's behavior in string theory.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes varying interpretations of time's directionality and the implications of higher-dimensional spaces, with some assumptions about the nature of time in these contexts remaining unaddressed.

Gear300
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Does string theory imply time as a dimension that can run in more than one direction or is it asymmetric?
 
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What does it mean for time to "run in more than one direction" or for it to be "asymmetric"? When you're not using the technical terminology of a subject (for whatever reason), you must say precisely what you mean by the words you use; otherwise you're not communicating anything.
 
I'm not too sure of the technical terms...but what I'm asking is if String Theory assumes time just like the other spatial dimensions --- does the theory mandate that time flows in one direction (in our experience, we usually don't see time running in any other direction other than forwards)?
 
In this respect, string theory does not differ from ordinary theory of relativity. If you know the answer to your question in ordinary relativity, the answer in string theory is the same.

You probably ask about the direction of the arrow of time. This arrow has one direction only.
 
May be the question was: if our 3+1 space is a subset of BULK, a brane in a higher dimensional space, then what's about the time in the BULK? Does BULK has time, and if yes, then how many time dimensions?
 
Dmitry67 said:
May be the question was: if our 3+1 space is a subset of BULK, a brane in a higher dimensional space, then what's about the time in the BULK? Does BULK has time, and if yes, then how many time dimensions?

You answered my question well in the previous post...but that would also be another question to point out.
 

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