When Is Now?

Be Smart2 minutes read

Joe and a clone explore the subjective nature of "now" based on individual perspectives and locations in space, diving into concepts of special and general relativity, spacetime, and philosophical views on time. The brain's ability to create an illusory present by combining past and future information is discussed, highlighting how our perception of events is delayed but synchronized to construct time and reality.

Insights

  • The concept of "now" is subjective and varies based on individual perspectives, influenced by factors like location in space and time, as discussed by Joe and the clone testing a new YouTube feature.
  • The brain constructs an illusory present by combining past and future information, as evidenced by experiments like the flash-lag illusion, challenging traditional notions of living strictly in the present moment and showcasing the brain's ability to synchronize signals for a unified but delayed conscious experience.

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Recent questions

  • What is the concept of "now"?

    The concept of "now" is subjective and dependent on individual perspectives, varying based on the viewer's location in time and space.

  • How do atomic clocks on airplanes demonstrate relativity?

    Atomic clocks on airplanes show the effects of special and general relativity on time.

  • What is the flash-lag illusion?

    The flash-lag illusion occurs when a white circle is perceived inside a ring, with the brain predicting the ring's future position.

  • How does the brain construct time and reality?

    The brain synchronizes signals to create a seamless experience, demonstrating its ability to construct time and reality.

  • What are the philosophical views on time?

    Different philosophical views on time include presentism and eternalism, which relate to physics and the interconnectedness of space and time.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

"Exploring Time: Perspectives on Now and Space"

  • Joe and a clone are excited to test a new YouTube feature that allows viewers to watch videos in real time together.
  • They discuss the concept of "now" and how it differs depending on the viewer's location in time and space.
  • Joe explains the idea of "now" being subjective and dependent on individual perspectives.
  • The text delves into the concept of "now" in relation to different locations in space, like Proxima b, and how it varies.
  • Scientists conducted an experiment with atomic clocks on airplanes to demonstrate the effects of special and general relativity on time.
  • General relativity predicts that clocks in higher gravitational fields tick slower, while special relativity shows that movement affects time perception.
  • The text explores how two observers in different frames of reference may perceive events differently, leading to disagreements on what is simultaneous.
  • The concept of spacetime is introduced, emphasizing the interconnectedness of space and time.
  • The text discusses different philosophical views on time, including presentism and eternalism, and how they relate to physics.
  • Physicist Sean Carroll's perspective on time is shared, highlighting the idea that all moments in time are real but some are better understood than others.

13:48

Brain constructs time through past and future.

  • The flash-lag illusion occurs when a white circle is perceived inside a ring, with the brain predicting the ring's future position.
  • Psychologist David Eagleman conducted an experiment where the perception of the flash depended on the future motion of the ring, challenging the idea of living in the past.
  • Our brains create an illusory present by combining information from the past and future, resulting in a delay in our perception of events.
  • Different signals reaching the brain at varying speeds are processed in different regions, leading to a unified but delayed conscious experience.
  • Despite delays in processing sensory information, the brain synchronizes signals to create a seamless experience, demonstrating the brain's ability to construct time and reality.
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