The Last Theory
Why is space three-dimensional? with Stephen Wolfram
Jan 15, 2025
Stephen Wolfram, a distinguished computer scientist and physicist known for creating Mathematica and Wolfram Alpha, delves into the intriguing concept of why space is three-dimensional. He discusses how our familiar three-dimensional experience emerges from hypergraphs, a key structure in his model of the universe. Wolfram challenges traditional views by exploring the role of observers in shaping our perception of space and time. He also hints at a more complex underlying structure that could redefine our understanding of dimensionality and computation.
19:36
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Quick takeaways
- The dimensionality of space may evolve from an infinite-dimensional state to our familiar three-dimensional perception as the universe expands and cools.
- Causal relationships are vital in defining space and time, prompting a reevaluation of their interplay within the framework of relativity theory.
Deep dives
Nature of Space and Time
Space and time are traditionally seen as simple, continuous entities, but an alternative perspective suggests that they could be more complex and discrete. This approach posits that space consists of a network of discrete 'atoms' or points connected through relationships, structured as a hypergraph. Rather than being a static background, these points are dynamic, forming a foundation for a computational framework that explores spatial relations. The exploration of these structures encourages a reassessment of fundamental assumptions about space and time in the context of mathematical models.
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