What If Space And Time Are NOT Real?
PBS Space Time・18 minutes read
Physics has evolved to question the fundamental concepts of space and time, from Newton's absolute view to Einstein's spacetime continuum, leading to conflicts with quantum mechanics and inspiring new theories like string theory. Leibniz proposed a relational view of space, suggesting it emerges from the relationships between elements, challenging the idea of space as a physically real fabric.
Insights
- Newton's belief in absolute space and time clashed with Leibniz's relational view, where space and time are qualities of objects and their connections, not independent entities.
- Einstein's theories of relativity revolutionized our understanding of space and time, presenting them as a 4-D spacetime continuum that can be warped by energy, challenging traditional static notions of space.
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Summary
00:00
Evolution of Physics: Space and Time Debate
- Physics has evolved to a point where the concepts of space and time, once considered fundamental, are now being questioned for further progress.
- Many new theories in physics challenge the traditional understanding of spacetime at its elementary level.
- The concept of absolute space and time in physics originated with Newtonian mechanics, which assumed a universal clock and absolute stillness.
- Newton believed in the absolute existence of space and time, independent of objects within them.
- Leibniz disagreed with Newton, proposing a relational view where space and time are qualities of objects and their connections, not independent entities.
- Leibniz's perspective suggests that space can emerge from the relationships between elements that are not inherently in space.
- Over the 19th century, the discovery of the electromagnetic field hinted at space having intrinsic properties, supporting Newton's view.
- Einstein's theories of relativity transformed our understanding of space and time, linking them in a 4-D spacetime continuum.
- Einstein's view of spacetime as a fabric that can be warped and hold energy challenges Newton's idea of space as a static stage.
- Einstein's perspective places him between Leibniz and Newton, viewing space and the gravitational field as inseparable entities.
15:53
"Space, Time, and Quantum Physics: A Challenge"
- Einstein believed that space is not empty, quoting "there is no space empty of field."
- General relativity breaks down on scales smaller than 10^-35 meters, known as the Planck length, conflicting with quantum mechanics.
- The conflict between Einstein's theory and quantum mechanics is a major challenge in physics, inspiring new paths like string theory or loop quantum gravity.
- Leibniz proposed that space exists in relationships between elementary entities, not as a physically real fabric.
- Leibniz also suggested that space is a construct of the mind, not a physical reality.
- It is challenging to imagine a universe without space or time, as dimensions are ingrained in our brains.
- Brilliant is an online learning platform for STEM, offering interactive lessons and problem-solving activities in fields like artificial neural networks.
