first science
the missing science, the theory of everything, and the arrow of time
|
||||||||
|
Physics Cannot Explain The Direction Of Time
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – 22 July 2008 – Mathematical physics cannot, in principle, explain the direction of time, according to a recently published book.
One of the most important observations of the natural world is that time has a direction. We can remember the past, but not the future. We can affect events in the future, but not in the past. However, the mathematical equations representing the physical laws of nature do not have a direction in time. They are equally valid in forward or backward time. One of the great mysteries of science is why the mathematical laws of nature do not have a direction in time.
The reason for the mystery is that mathematical physics uses mathematical time, not real time. In the process of transforming real time to mathematical time, the direction of time is lost. Mathematical time breaks real time up into instants of time. Each instant of time represents a possible measurement of time. Whereas real time is moving, each instant of time is unmoving. Since each instant of time is a time-symmetric point without a direction, so mathematical time is a collection of time-symmetric points without a direction. As such, whereas real time has a direction, mathematical time does not. Since mathematical physics uses mathematical time not real time, it cannot, in principle, explain the direction of time.
“If mathematical physics cannot explain the direction of time,” the author Dr Spencer Scoular said, “then sciences built around the direction of time, such as biology and sociology, cannot be reduced to mathematical physics.”
The finding has important implications for the research program to unify science. If mathematical physics cannot explain the direction of time, then it cannot explain everything about the natural world. As such, science cannot be completely unified within the framework of mathematical physics.
About the author
Spencer Scoular holds a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge and resides in Auckland, New Zealand.
About the book
Spencer Scoular (2008), First science: The missing science, the theory of everything, and the arrow of time. Boca Raton, Fl.: Universal Publishers. ISBN: 1-59942-991-8.