Into the Impossible With Brian Keating

What is Time? Stephen Wolfram’s Groundbreaking New Theory [Ep. 468]

Dec 2, 2024

Stephen Wolfram, a pioneering computer scientist and CEO of Wolfram Research, explores the profound nature of time in this enlightening discussion. He asserts that time is the 'inevitable progress of computation,' introducing the concept of computational irreducibility, where complex behaviors emerge from simple rules. Wolfram delves into the interplay between time, space, and gravity, suggesting dark matter might represent space's structure. He also highlights how our cognitive limits shape our understanding of time and reality.

01:37:50

Episode guests

Stephen Wolfram

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Stephen Wolfram presents a revolutionary view of time as an ongoing computation rather than a mere progression of sequential moments.

The concept of computational irreducibility reveals that understanding the universe requires meticulous progression through complex systems rather than simplified predictions.

Observers influence their understanding of time through causal relationships, shaping distinct narratives of past, present, and future within the unfolding universe.

Deep dives

Understanding Time: A Unique Phenomenon

Time is conceptualized as distinctly different from space, characterized by its inexorable forward movement. While space may allow for situational relocation, time imposes a continuous progression that is fundamentally different. This interpretation diverges from traditional views, particularly those influenced by the mathematical underpinnings established during the 20th century, which often equated time with spatial coordinates. Time's essence, then, is to be understood as an ongoing computation, defined not by fixed points, but by an unrelenting sequence of changes prompting observable phenomena.

Intro

2min

Rethinking Time and Computation

23min

Exploring Computational Irreducibility and the Nature of Time

5min

The Nature of Time and Consciousness

23min

Exploring Gravity and the Emergence of Space

3min

Exploring Space, Energy, and Dark Matter

17min

The Shift in Scientific Modeling

8min

Exploring the Cosmic Microwave Background

12min

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What is time? Is it just a ticking clock, or is it something more profound?

In this thought-provoking episode of Into the Impossible, Stephen Wolfram challenges everything we know about time, offering a revolutionary computational perspective that could forever change how we understand the universe.

Stephen Wolfram is a computer scientist, physicist, and businessman. He is the founder and CEO of Wolfram Research and the creator of Mathematica, Wolfram Alpha, and Wolfram Language. Over the course of 4 decades, he has pioneered the development & application of computational thinking. He has been responsible for many discoveries, inventions & innovations in science, technology, and business.

He argues that time is the inevitable progress of computation in the universe, where simple rules can lead to complex behaviors. This concept, termed computational irreducibility, implies that time has a rigid structure and that our perception of it is limited by our computational capabilities. Wolfram also explores the relationship between time, space, and gravity, suggesting that dark matter might be a feature of the structure of space.

Tune in to discover the true nature of time.

Key Takeaways: