VIDEO I need time to get to grips with this :P

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Is Time Real?​

 

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Is Time Real? The question of time's reality has fascinated scientists and philosophers alike. This YouTube video, presented by Sabine Hossenfelder, delves into the nature of time, exploring whether it is a fundamental aspect of our universe or merely an emergent property.

Overview​

Hossenfelder begins by questioning the conventional understanding of time, which we often measure through clocks. She highlights a circularity in the definition: a clock measures time, yet time is often defined as what clocks measure. This conundrum leads us to Einstein's revolutionary concept that time is a dimension—similar to space but distinct.

Key Points from the Video​

1. Time as a Dimension: According to Einstein, time behaves as a dimension akin to the three spatial dimensions, with the capability of being affected by motion. This leads to phenomena like time dilation, where time passes at different rates depending on relative velocity.
2. Clocks and Measurement: Hossenfelder explains how clocks operate by counting recurring events—like the Earth's orbit around the sun, which defines a year. This approach provides a concrete method to measure what we call time.
3. Debate on Reality: The video also addresses arguments from certain physicists who claim time might not be "real." This stems from the idea that time may not feature in a theoretical framework for quantum gravity, which seeks to unify general relativity and quantum mechanics.
4. Alternatives and Theories: The discussion covers various speculative theories suggesting that the universe might function without time altogether. Hossenfelder mentions concepts like Julian Barbour's theory, which posits that time is not a fundamental aspect of reality but an order observed in spatial configurations.
5. Emergent Properties: Hossenfelder concludes by pondering whether time is an emergent property derived from more fundamental aspects of the universe, such as a network of relations between different entities rather than an intrinsic dimension.
   

   Call to Action​

   For those intrigued by the physics of time and its implications, Hossenfelder recommends interactive courses on platforms like Brilliant, which help demystify complex concepts such as relativity and time measurement.
   

   Engage with the Community​

   What do you think about the notion that time might not be real? Have you encountered ideas about time in other contexts, such as philosophy or science fiction? Share your thoughts below! This discussion ties into larger inquiries about the fundamental structures of our universe, and it's a topic ripe for further exploration, especially as we seek to understand how time fits into emerging theories in physics.​

   Feel free to dive into this thought-provoking discourse and explore related threads where we delve deeper into the interplay of physics and philosophy!