Tracing the Passage of Time: Is It Possible?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of time, specifically whether seconds repeat themselves and how many seconds have passed since life began. It touches on philosophical implications as well as scientific limitations in measuring time.

Discussion Character

  • Philosophical inquiry
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether every second repeats itself, suggesting that while events may differ, the concept of time might imply repetition.
  • Others argue that the question of seconds repeating is not scientifically answerable and may not even be a philosophical question.
  • A participant humorously comments on the nature of philosophy, indicating that it is not merely about nonsensical ideas.
  • There is a claim that life began approximately 3.8 billion years ago, though the exact number of seconds since then is unknown.
  • One participant expresses confusion over the idea of seconds repeating, comparing it to questioning whether a unit of measure like "inches" repeats itself.
  • Concerns are raised about the uncertainty of when life began, emphasizing that we do not know the exact time frame, even to the year or century.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of time and the concept of repeating seconds. There is no consensus on whether seconds repeat or on the exact measurement of time since life began, indicating ongoing disagreement.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations in defining the beginning of life and measuring time accurately, with unresolved questions about the nature of seconds and their repetition.

monty37
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does every second repeat itself when time moves forward,but the events that occur
in each second are not the same,so do we know the no.of seconds that have passed
from the time life began?
 
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monty37 said:
does every second repeat itself when time moves forward,but the events that occur
in each second are not the same,so do we know the no.of seconds that have passed
from the time life began?

this is philosophical, not relativistic.
 
It's not a question that can be answered by science, but that doesn't mean it's philosophy. (Philosophy isn't defined as "stuff that doesn't make sense"). The reasoning that leads to the conclusion that science can't answer this question...now that's philosophy.
 
Fredrik said:
  • (Philosophy isn't defined as "stuff that doesn't make sense".)
I like the efficient way you've added a little humour just by putting one word into italics!:smile:
 
so be it,but don't we know the seconds that have passed since time began?
we observe day to-day time using a clock,but time that has elapsed and is still
going on is measured in seconds.Which second are we in?
 
from where did the idea stem that seconds repeat themselves??
 
Your question of whether or not seconds repeat themselves is a bit :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:
Personally i think that second's do not exactly repeat themselves seeing how you could also argue microseconds do and go down further than that, but i shall tell you that live began at around 3.8 Billion years ago. (No one knows it to the exact second though)
 
I don't have any idea what could be meant by "seconds repeat themselves". A second is a unit of measure. That's like asking whether "inches" repeat themselves.

As for the question "Do we know how many seconds have passed since life began", we do not even know to the year or century when life began!
 

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