What does time mean at t=1/infinity?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the conceptual understanding of time, particularly at the points t=0 and t approaching infinity. Participants explore the implications of defining the present in relation to past and future, and whether time can be said to start or have a beginning. The conversation touches on philosophical arguments and mathematical interpretations related to time in physics.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Philosophical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the present at t=0 necessitates a past and future, suggesting that time might start at t=1/infinity or be undefined.
  • Another participant challenges the clarity of the original question, asking for the specific equation being referenced and its purpose.
  • A participant clarifies that if t=0 is considered, there should also be a past associated with it, especially when considering t approaching infinity.
  • There is a mention of the Planck Time, with a participant suggesting that past and future could be visualized as equally spread out in a v-shape.
  • Some participants express confusion and skepticism about the coherence of the original post, indicating that it lacks clarity and logical structure.
  • A reference is made to Lorentz transformations and time dilation, relating to the behavior of time at relativistic speeds.
  • Philosophical arguments are raised regarding the concept of time having a beginning, with some suggesting that such ideas lead to muddled thinking about the nature of time itself.
  • One participant emphasizes the utility of space-time as a geometric framework for understanding these concepts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views, with some agreeing on the need for clarity in the original question while others challenge its coherence. There is no consensus on the nature of time or the implications of its beginning, with multiple competing interpretations present.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the potential philosophical implications of defining time and its beginning, as well as the limitations of applying common-sense reasoning to the universe's temporal structure. The discussion reflects a mix of mathematical, physical, and philosophical perspectives without resolving the underlying uncertainties.

KyleStreet
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I have a question, please correct me in detail if I'm wrong with my conclusion. I am no expert in physics. I do however, have a certain understanding of Trigonometry and some integrals and some derivatives Calculus 1.

If you start at t=0 (the origin of the Universe) and if that is considered to be the present, does that mean that the present (at that time) requires a past and future equally by 1 divided by infinity and/or above? This problem has made me scratch my head for a while. My conclusion was that time had to start at either t=1/infinity or undefined.

Any form of math besides physics to "fix up" my understanding would be greatly appreciated.



Kyle Street
 
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Your question makes very little sense. What equation are you using to arrive at such a division? What is it that this equation is trying to calculate or describe? There are numerous common descriptions that do not "blow up" at t=0.

Are you familiar with simple kinematics?

Zz.
 
Okay, to clear things up I meant that for every present time that exists, there is a past and a future. So if you start at t=0, will there also be a past for t=0 if all other times have a past and future? Let's consider t approaching infinity.
 
Oh I forgot to mention that t=0 is before the Planck Time and that the past and future are equally spread out as a v-shape
 
KyleStreet said:
Oh I forgot to mention that t=0 is before the Planck Time and that the past and future are equally spread out as a v-shape

You're speaking nonsense.
 
I have to agree w/ JeffKoch ... it seems as though you are just stringing out words in a way that doesn't make sense.
 
It reminds me of lorentz transformation of time when time interval is 1 and spatial interval is zero which is the time dilation while traveling at speed of light.
 
It's probably a good idea to let the OP explain what he means rather than to guess.
 
That would be about correct - the bit starting with "all times have to have a past and a future" sounded promising but the following post muddied things completely.

There is an old philosophical argument you still see in creationist circles that time could not have had a beginning because every moment has a past ... or: for time to begin would need divine intervention. Similarly for time to end.

Still muddled thinking because you cannot have a "start" to time, because there would be no time for time to start in. But OP reminded me of this since his own statements suffer the same sorts of problems: how can time itself start at a particular time? This is what happens when you try to generalize common-sense(-ish) ideas to the Universe.

This is why space-time is so useful: it's all geometry.
 

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