Do the Past and Future Exist?
PBS Space Time・13 minutes read
The understanding of time is key, with physics exploring its origins, determinism, consciousness, and free will, challenging traditional views of a single "now." Einstein's theory of relativity reveals that time is relative, with the present shaping the future in a 4-dimensional universe, while quantum mechanics introduces uncertainty and questions of external reality.
Insights
- Time is a dimension akin to space, with the present acting as a crucial link between the past and future, as explored in physics and theories of relativity.
- Quantum mechanics introduces uncertainty and challenges deterministic views, while the concept of a 4-dimensional universe block reshapes our understanding of time's role in shaping the future.
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Recent questions
What is the concept of time according to physics?
Time is a dimension like space, situated between past and future, crucial for understanding the universe's motion and consciousness.
How did Newton's laws impact the understanding of time?
Newton's laws allowed predicting the universe's motion, leading to determinism, but his assumption of a universal clock defining a single "now" was proven incorrect.
How does Einstein's theory of relativity view time?
Einstein's theory of relativity shows that time is relative, with observers moving at different velocities perceiving time slices differently, challenging the idea of a universal "now."
What role does the present play in shaping the future?
The present is crucial in creating the future by sweeping out the block universe, where time is a dimension, and conscious experience emerges from patterns in our brains evolving forward.
What challenges does quantum mechanics pose to the concept of time?
Quantum mechanics introduces indeterminacy, challenging ideas of external reality and determinism, suggesting that the future is not entirely predetermined, adding complexity to our understanding of time.
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Summary
00:00
Understanding Time: Past, Present, Future, Physics
- The present is the key to understanding time, situated between the past and future.
- Physics delves into the origin of time, determinism, consciousness, and free will.
- Newton's laws allowed predicting the universe's motion, leading to determinism.
- Newton's assumption of a universal clock defining a single "now" was proven incorrect.
- The universe can be visualized as a 4-dimensional block where time is a dimension like space.
- Conscious experience emerges from the forward evolution of patterns in our brains.
- Einstein's theory of relativity shows that the present, past, and future are relative concepts.
- Observers moving at different velocities perceive time slices differently.
- The future is created by the present sweeping out the block universe.
- Quantum mechanics introduces indeterminacy, challenging ideas of external reality and determinism.
15:09
Impending Great Filter: Life on Venus?
- Great filter is ahead, bad news
- Past great filters: evolving complex lifeforms, intelligence
- Life possibly spawned once in solar system and spread
- Rooting for life on Venus
- Industrial processes produce phosphine, possibly Venusian heavy industry
- Contact advanced civilization to shut down factories for better analysis of atmosphere
