Physics and Philosophy

Time in a Quantum and Relativistic Universe

Physics in the twentieth century has taught us that the world often works in a way which is counter intuitive. Common sense, therefore, is not to be regarded a reliable means of discovering truth. To date, we have not formulated a truly satisfying theory explaining time's "flux" (or "passage") and its relationship to consciousness; but this stems from a mistaken assumption on our part regarding the relationship between the concepts "existence" and "persistence."

Clearly, a thing (e.g., a material object) cannot exist if it does not remain in existence. After all, a thing which exists, but does not persist, exists for a total duration of only one moment. One moment, however, is by definition only zero seconds long--no length of time at all. We must realize that if we say a material object (or anything else for that matter) has existed for no length of time, we are stating, in effect, that it has never been in existence. All things which exist necessarily exist for some length of time, however short this may be.

This argument applies to the present moment. If the present moment is to exist, it must remain in existence: it must endure. We often picture the present moment as moving up through time, into the future; this, in fact, is our way of visualizing the idea that the present moment maintains its existence, as time passes.

Clearly, the mystery of time's passage is solved. Given that:

1. the present must endure in order to exist, it follows that
2. time must pass if the present exists.

In my articles, I explain the consequences of this new view of the time flux. In particular, I demonstrate that time travel to the past is possible as predicted by Einstein's general theory of relativity. Also, I answer the question of why the physical world must be observed by a conscious mind to exist--a quantum theory prediction which has perplexed scientists for decades.

To continue click one of the following:

The Theory of Persistence:Part One
The Theory of Persistence:Part Two
The Theory of Persistence:Diagrams

Note: The following analyses are best understood after reading "The Theory of Persistence."

Geometric Analysis of the Motion of the Present Moment
Geometric Analysis of the Present:Diagrams
The Infinite Consciousness