Time and space are of the same stuff (original) (raw)
Related papers
2016
This paper is a brief (and hopelessly incomplete) non-standard introduction to the philosophy of space and time. It is an introduction because I plan to give an overview of what I consider some of the main questions about space and time: Is space a substance over and above matter? How many dimensions does it have? Is space-time fundamental or emergent? Does time have a direction? Does time even exist? Nonetheless, this introduction is not standard because I conclude the discussion by presenting the material with an original spin, guided by a particular understanding of fundamental physical theories, the so-called primitive ontology approach.
Space and Time, 2013
In the paper the Space – Time problem is considered as it is seen in the informational conception (“the Information as Absolute conception”) comparing with a number of existent physical and philosophical approaches. Since the conception is rigorously grounded (for the conception the existence, the truth, the self-consistence and the completeness of are proven), the notions “Space” and “Time” – which cannot be deduced from physics itself since are Meta-physical notions – obtain reasonable elucidation that is presented in the paper. Key words: space, time, Matter, special relativity, informational model, arrow of time, time flow PACC: 0330, 0455, 0170 PACS : 01.70.+w, 03.30.+p, 04.80.Cc
2019
Remember the quote by Thomas Huxley in our discussion of the successes of celestial mechanics, "science is nothing but trained and organized common sense." During the 1700s and 1800s, common sense was applied to atoms. Following Newton, we may imagine atoms as small billiard ball-like spheres, interacting by bouncing off each other. In many ways, this application was successful, but, early in the last century it became obvious that to describe nature at the atomic level, it appears that some microlevel phenomena and those involving high speeds do not "make sense." As a sign at the gate of an English physics department warned: "Beware. Physics may expand your mind!"
Time and Space, Concepts and Phenomena
Science & Education, 2017
The main thesis of Dassonville's book is expressed in the title: time and space are inventions. The term Binvention^appears in opposition to Bdiscovery^, which relates to phenomena. Time and space were not discovered. They do not exist by themselves but are rather merely intellectual constructions. The topics announced in the subtitle of the book-origins, definitions, nature and properties of time and space-are addressed in the four central chapters (5-8). The first four chapters point out difficulties with space and time and provide specific terminology. The last four chapters consist of a historical overview of time and space, consequences from their non-existence, a brief conclusion and a glossary. Chapter 1 presents the problem. In our everyday lives, in science and philosophy, where time and space are very common, it is assumed with a few exceptions that time exists. The same holds for space. There is no doubt about its existence. We are in space as well as everything else. Nevertheless, there are no definitions of time and space. This topic is further explored in chapter 2. Dassonville mentions Dante, who pointed out that philosophy considered space and time as primordial categories of understanding but this does not explain what time and space are. Dante's warning is illustrated by Aristotle and Kant. Bergson, who believed in the flux of time, and Heidegger, who took time as a being, are also criticized. The author's criticism also involves the idea of the arrow of time in physics. Chapter 3 goes deeper into the problems and points out some reasons for them. The basic problem lies in the confusion between phenomena and concepts. This is the diagnosis of the author, which can be illustrated through the following example. In a cross-section of a tree trunk, we observe concentric clear and dark rings. The latter are developed in summer.