Sara Walker, Deputy Director of the Beyond Center for Fundamental Concepts in Science, discusses the changing concepts of time throughout history. The podcast explores the relativity of time, from physics to computability theory, and questions whether time is fundamental or emergent. It also explores the connection between information, memory, and time, as well as the origin of life from a physicist's perspective.
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Quick takeaways
Information should be thought of as a property of systems, challenging the conventional understanding of knowledge and storage in our minds.
Time should be approached as a physical attribute of objects, particularly when studying the origin of life, leading to a deeper understanding of complex systems and the generation of novelty.
Deep dives
Understanding Information as a Property of Systems
In this podcast episode, Sarah Walker challenges the conventional understanding of information as something that can be known and stored in our minds. She argues that information should be thought of as a property of systems, especially when considering the origin of life. The question of when a group of molecules transitions from being inert to alive raises the role of information in this process. By rethinking information in this context, a deeper understanding of the concept emerges.
Time as a Changing Concept in Physics
Sarah Walker introduces the second topic of discussion: time. She highlights how our perception of time has evolved over the centuries, particularly in the field of physics. Starting with Newtonian physics, which treated time as an absolute and fixed reference frame, the concept of time has been reconsidered and redefined in subsequent theories. From the advent of clocks to the introduction of relativity and quantum mechanics, each theory has shaped our understanding of time in different ways. Sarah suggests that time should be approached as a physical attribute of objects and proposes a new perspective on time in relation to complex adaptive systems and the origin of life.
Time as a Fundamental Property for Evolution
Sarah explores the notion that time is a critical factor in the process of evolution. She argues that in order for complex objects, such as humans or complex molecules, to evolve, they require a significant amount of time to develop and exist. Unlike Newtonian physics, where objects could move instantly to a certain position, evolutionary systems rely on a historical sequence of events and the memory of past states to bring about specific structures. By considering time as a material property and a feature of evolution, Sarah suggests that time becomes fundamental in understanding the physics of life.
Reevaluating Time in the Context of Complexity and Life
The final main idea discussed in the podcast is the need to challenge our current understanding of time. Sarah argues that time should be approached as a physical attribute of objects, particularly when studying the origin of life. By recognizing that objects have a size and time, rather than focusing solely on their spatial configuration or mass, a new theory of physics can be developed. This theory incorporates the concepts of information and time as fundamental components, leading to a deeper understanding of complex systems, the biosphere, and the generation of novelty.
Throughout the history of science, the concept of time has changed many times - from Newton and thermodynamic definitions to the weirdness of relativity and quantum mechanics. And as our understanding of life and the universe continues to grow, is it again time to reevaluate how we think about time?
To explore this mind-bending idea, we’re joined again by Sara Walker, Deputy Director of the Beyond Center for Fundamental Concepts in Science, Associate Professor in Earth and Space Exploration and Complex Adaptive Systems at Arizona State University, and External Faculty at the Santa Fe Institute.