Kip Thorne, a renowned expert on Einstein's theory of relativity, dives deep into the fascinating concept of time. He discusses its intrinsic relativity and how our perception of time can differ based on individual experiences. Delving into quantum mechanics, Thorne explores the idea of parallel universes and the philosophical implications of altered timelines. He challenges conventional views by proposing that space and time may be emergent properties, reshaping our understanding of reality. Thorne's insights invite listeners to rethink their relationship with time.
Time is relative rather than absolute, profoundly influencing how different observers perceive events based on their motion through space-time.
The emerging view that space and time may be emergent rather than fundamental invites a transformative understanding of the universe's underlying nature.
Deep dives
The Nature of Time and Quantum Mechanics
Time is not the absolute standard that it appears to be; rather, it exhibits a complex and relative nature, as demonstrated by quantum mechanics and relativity. The idea that information can propagate backward in time leads to intriguing implications, such as the creation of branching universes. In one example, a character in a novel discovers a method for sending information back, resulting in a split where one universe is saved while the other exists in a state of crisis. This quantum perspective reveals that time operates under unusual principles, intertwining with the fabric of reality in ways that challenge our conventional understanding.
Personal Experience of Time and Space
Einstein's theories revolutionized the perception of time and space, highlighting their interconnectedness and relative nature. Different observers may experience time differently, causing them to perceive the flow of time and distances uniquely based on their relative speeds. This means that simultaneity is not a universal truth but rather a perspective shaped by one's motion through space-time. The implications of this relativity suggest that our understanding of events and their causal relationships is deeply personal and intertwined with physics.
Emergence of Space and Time
The concept that space and time may not be fundamental aspects of reality but rather emergent properties is gaining traction among physicists. Some theorists propose that space-time is not continuous but instead consists of discrete elements, much like a hologram encoding three-dimensional information in a two-dimensional format. This shift in perspective raises important questions about the nature of the universe, suggesting that causality and relationships between events are what give rise to the concepts of space and time. This understanding challenges traditional notions of a static universe, pushing the boundaries of how we comprehend our cosmos.
Support Closer To Truth this holiday season with a tax-deductible donation of any amount. Your contribution directly fuels our exploration of life's biggest questions with new contributors and differing perspectives. Give today.
Time seems natural and absolute: the flow of moments one following another from the unknown past to the knife's edge present to the unknowable future. But this is not so. Einstein shocked the world by showing that time was "relative." What's the latest about time?
Featuring interviews with Gregory Benford, Kip Thorne, Nima Arkani-Hamed, and Lee Smolin.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode