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TIME AS A STREAM OF CHANGE
Abstract
In scientific experiments we observe constant stream of irreversible change.
Change X1 is transforming into X2, change X2 into X3 and so on. Time exist only
as a stream of this change. We can measure its duration with clocks .
Introduction
In Newtonian physics, time is an independent physical quantity (absolute time),
running uniformly throughout the entire cosmic space (absolute space). In the
General Theory of Relativity, time is no more an independent physical quantity -
it is linked with space into four-dimensional space-time. Time runs slower in
those parts of the universe where roundness of space-time is bigger,
gravitational field is stronger. Experiments confirm that the clocks near the
sea run slower than on top of high mountains. Gravitation is stronger near the
sea than on the top of the mountain (4).
To be empirically consequent, one has to admit that by means of elementary
perception (sight) it is only possible to conclude that the speed of clocks on
the mountain is faster than at the sea. It is only by indirect reasoning that we
interpret different clock speeds as if they mean different time stream speeds.
By observing the clocks at the sea and on top of the mountain it is only
possible to state that the speed of irreversible physical, chemical and
biological change (hereinafter referred as "change" only) is slower in stronger
gravitational fields and faster in weaker ones.
Conclusions
Clocks are instruments with a constant speed of change and are reference for
measurements of duration of all change. The speed of clocks as well as all other
change depends on the strength of gravitational field in a given volume of
cosmic space. Time exists only as duration of change in cosmic space.
The "twins paradox" of Special Theory Of Relativity confirms only that the speed of biological change in a fast space ship is slower than on the earth. That's why the twin travelling few years in a fast space ship is coming back younger that his brother which has remained on the earth. No experiment was done that proves the existence of time as physical quantity that rules the speed of biological change in the spaceship and on the Earth.
With this understanding of time the image of four-dimensional cosmic space-time where time is the fourth dimension, develops into an image of a four-dimensional cosmic space in which change is running. The time coordinate (t) of Riemann geometry that in General Theory of Relativity describes cosmic space becomes distance in the same sense as the other three coordinates (x), (y), (z). Futuristic ideas of time travel into the past through the black holes are out of question.
In physical equations time means a duration of irreversible change in cosmic
space. For example: an object is moving from point A to point B. The speed of
this physical change is 1 second per 0,1 meter of distance. The distance between
point A and B is one meter. The question is: how long is duration of change from
A to B. Duration can be calculated according formula:
distance d (AB) ..= ..speed of change (v) ..x ..duration of change (t)
d (AB) = 1m ,...........v = 0,1 m/s,.........t = d / v,........t = 10 second
Ten seconds means duration of movement of the object through the cosmic space
from the point A to the point B.
Discussion
Time is experienced as an independent physical quantity, although there is no
clear evidence of its existence. Time can not be perceived with the same clarity
as matter and cosmic space. The question arises: How can time be experienced
without being perceived ? The answer is given by analysing the current
scientific way of experiencing. Information enters the senses, goes into the
mind where it is elaborated, reaches the subject and becomes an experience (5).
..............................................................reality - senses
(perceiving) - mind (elaborating) - subject (experiencing)
In scientific research the rational part of the mind elaborates a perception of
an experiment through analysis, comparison and synthesis: that's how experience
is formed. The eyes perceive an irreversible stream of change of an experiment:
change X1 is transforming into X2, X2 is transforming into X3 and so on. When
change X2 enters into existence, change X1 does not exists any more, when X3
enters into existence, X2 does not exists any more. Once elaborated by the mind,
the stream of change is experienced as a linear running of time. Change X1 as
past, X2 as present, X3 as future. This way mind can elaborate the perception of
objects and events.
By watching the way mind elaborates perception, the awareness arises that common
experience of the universe is indirect through the mind (see more in article
DIRECT SCIENTIFIC EXPERIENCE). Watching the mind makes the subject self-aware
and gives him understanding that he is not the mind, that thoughts are mental
objects which can be watched in the same way as material one. It gives him the
possibility of having a direct experience where the mind does not interfere
between perception and experience. Universe and time are experienced as being
perceived. Change X1 exists only as a memory, change X2 exists as present
reality, change X3 does not exist yet as reality, it exists only as an image of
the mind.
References:
4. Sorli, 1990, Konec Casa (End Of Time), Ljubjana, Slovenia
5. Sorli, 2001, Watching the Mind As an Individual Research Method, Frontier
Perspectives, The Center For The Frontier Sciences At Temple University,
Philadelphia, Volume 10, Number 1