What exactly does 'many-fingered time' mean?

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In summary, the conversation discusses Wheeler's concept of 'many-fingered time' which allows for non-uniform evolution of spacelike slices in black hole geometry. It is applicable to any flat or curved spacetime and is useful for reconciling quantum states with relativistic covariance.
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bookworm006
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While studying slicing of black hole geometry, I find this notion of wheeler's 'many-fingered time' which permits non-uniform evolution of spacelike slices that foliate the black hole. Could someone please explain what this notion exactly means? Is such a notion applicable only for black hole geometry or for any curved spacetime?
 
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I think what Wheeler was getting at, at least from my reading of his work, is that because GR is truly a 4-D theory, trying to split it into a 3+1 D form makes time into this kind of "weird" object that moves at different rates at different places (on your 3-D Cauchy surface), rather than moving forward all nice and uniform like in Newtonian time.

This is how I read this anyways.
 
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bookworm006 said:
While studying slicing of black hole geometry, I find this notion of wheeler's 'many-fingered time' which permits non-uniform evolution of spacelike slices that foliate the black hole. Could someone please explain what this notion exactly means? Is such a notion applicable only for black hole geometry or for any curved spacetime?
The 'many-fingered time' is the formalism in which a different time variable is associated with each point in space, or with each physical degree of freedom. It is applicable to any flat or curved spacetime. It is particularly useful when one wants the time-evolution of a quantum state make compatible with relativistic covariance.
 
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Thanks.
 

1. What is the concept of "many-fingered time" in science?

"Many-fingered time" is a concept in science that refers to the idea that time is not a linear progression, but rather a multidimensional phenomenon where multiple events can occur simultaneously.

2. How does the concept of "many-fingered time" challenge our traditional understanding of time?

The concept of "many-fingered time" challenges our traditional understanding of time by suggesting that it is not a fixed and unidirectional concept, but rather a dynamic and ever-changing one where multiple possibilities can exist at once.

3. Can you provide an example of "many-fingered time" in action?

One example of "many-fingered time" is the phenomenon of quantum entanglement, where particles can become instantly connected and affect each other's behavior regardless of distance. This suggests that time may not be a linear progression, but rather a multidimensional network where events can occur simultaneously.

4. How is the concept of "many-fingered time" being studied and explored by scientists?

Scientists are studying and exploring the concept of "many-fingered time" through various fields such as quantum physics, cosmology, and the study of consciousness. They are conducting experiments and developing theories to better understand the nature of time and how it may be multidimensional.

5. What are the potential implications of the concept of "many-fingered time" for our understanding of the universe?

The concept of "many-fingered time" has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of the universe. It could help explain complex phenomena such as the origin of the universe, the behavior of black holes, and the nature of consciousness. It also challenges our traditional notions of cause and effect, suggesting that events may not be as linearly connected as we previously thought.

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