Understanding Physics: What is Time?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of time, exploring its definition and nature within the context of physics. Participants examine various interpretations of time, including its measurement, the philosophical implications of "Now," and the relationship between time and memory.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that time can be understood as the "Now," questioning if this aligns with the broader concept of time.
  • Another participant defines time as what a clock measures, emphasizing its role in distinguishing events in a sequence.
  • A different perspective frames time as a continuous, ordered set of moments, with "Now" being a specific moment that varies based on context.
  • One participant argues that the current accepted model of time does not recognize "Now" as a distinct entity, proposing that it is merely a short-term memory of the past.
  • Another participant challenges the connection between time and memory, stating that established definitions of time in physics do not involve memory.
  • Some participants express uncertainty about having a complete definition of time, suggesting that the topic is complex and not fully resolved.
  • One participant reiterates that the measurement of time by clocks is sufficient for its application in physics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of "Now" and its relevance to the concept of time. There is no consensus on a singular definition of time, and the discussion includes both philosophical and scientific perspectives.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in definitions and the complexity of the topic, with some participants referencing alternative theories like Space Time Atom Theory without resolving the implications of these theories.

revv
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Let me first say I am just learning about physics and trying to understand some things about time.

Can we say time is the "Now" or am I missing the concept of time entirely?
 
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Time. That which a clock measures. The thing that keeps events from happening at the same... 'time'. The odd man out with regards to spacetime dimensions. :wink:
 
Think of "time" as a continuous, ordered set of moments. "Now" is one of those moments, though which particular moment it happens to be depends on when you say the word.

Think also of "space" as an ordered set of places. "Here" is one of those places, but the exact one referred to depends on the location of the person saying the word!
 
Within the current accepted model of time, there is no such thing as "Now". There is only the past which we remember, and the future to which we do not remember. The concept of "Now" is explained as being the most recent past as the experience is simply very short term memory of an event that has already happened. There are of course other alternative theories that argue for the existence of "Now" being separate from the past and future but these are generally ignored by conventional science at this time. You might want to look into Space Time Atom Theory for more information.

Fay Dowker
http://www.imperial.ac.uk/people/f.dowker

Space Time Atoms
 
Joe Ciancimino said:
The concept of "Now" is explained as being the most recent past as the experience is simply very short term memory of an event that has already happened.

I don't think that's correct. I know of no useful definitions of time in physics which have anything to do with memory.
 
I think we do not have a complete definition of time
 
Drakkith said:
Time. That which a clock measures.

I think that is sufficient for its usage in physics.
 
brainpushups said:
I think that is sufficient for its usage in physics.

I agree. As usual with threads asking about time, this one has already floundered into the area of philosophy and mysticism. Thread locked.
 

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