Understanding Mach's Principle: 2 Objects & Zero Observation

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In summary, Mach's principle states that you cannot observe something if you are not in the same space as the object.
  • #1
mersecske
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I don't understand the Mach's principle completely.

In the base situation when there are only two objects in the Universe.
I think there is no question, because we cannot observe anything,
since there are no photons etc. in the Universe.
 
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  • #2
Well, even when there are photons, but you are not there - you will not be able to observe anything. For instance before you are born. That does not mean that the universe does not make sense and you can't discuss what happens when when you are not there.
 
  • #3
Its not about me or you
 
  • #4
You wrote "because we cannot observe anything". Whom did you have in mind writing "we"?
 
  • #5
Somebody on the object.
 
  • #6
So, you need "somebodies". Photons, as far as we know, are not "somebodies". Photons are modes of a quantized electromagnetic field.
 
  • #7
mersecske said:
I don't understand the Mach's principle completely.

In the base situation when there are only two objects in the Universe.
I think there is no question, because we cannot observe anything,
since there are no photons etc. in the Universe.

What about Mach's principle do you not understand? It's not obvious from your three sentences what you are asking.
 
  • #8
I have never read Mach but only read of Mach indirectly. This is not the Mach's principle I know of, but it sounds like the sort of thing he would have enunciated.

For the purposes of philosophical argument it is permissible to take a naive view of e.g. vision, and imagine like you do before knowing any physics, that stuff is just there and you can see it. You would have to know what a 'body' is. A structureless particle even if conscious cannot see another object move. It needs a third object in order to see it move with respect to. Or it needs to be a body with a structure of its own - well that is really a particular example of the former case. It cannot have any experience (e.g. of something moving) unless it has a memory or a means of recording a past situation and comparing with present. Three bodies in the Universe is a minimum and even that is pushing it!

If you are interested in this sort of reflection but in connection with real physics there is a book called "The end of time" by Julian Barbour plus, I just saw, a website and stuff on the web..
 

FAQ: Understanding Mach's Principle: 2 Objects & Zero Observation

1. What is Mach's Principle?

Mach's Principle is a concept in physics that proposes that the inertial properties of matter are influenced by the distribution of all other matter in the universe.

2. How does Mach's Principle relate to 2 objects and zero observation?

In the context of 2 objects and zero observation, Mach's Principle suggests that the inertial properties of one object are influenced by the presence and distribution of the other object, even if there is no direct observation or interaction between them.

3. Can Mach's Principle be proven?

No, Mach's Principle is a theoretical concept and cannot be proven or disproven. It is still a subject of debate and study in the scientific community.

4. How does Mach's Principle differ from Newton's Laws of Motion?

Mach's Principle differs from Newton's Laws of Motion in that it suggests that inertia is not an inherent property of matter, but rather it is influenced by the presence and distribution of all matter in the universe.

5. What are the implications of Mach's Principle?

The implications of Mach's Principle are still being explored and debated, but it has been suggested that it could potentially provide a deeper understanding of the nature of gravity and the structure of the universe.

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