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FQXi FORUM
CATEGORY: Essay Contest
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TOPIC: The Absoluteness of Time by James A. Putnam
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The voting deadline has been extended to January 1, 2009.
Please vote for your favorite essays soon!
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Essay Abstract
This essay presents a few examples of the theoretical use of absolute time. It points to a universal, constant value of a fundamental measure of time. It demonstrates the role that this exceptionally useful constant can play in achieving theoretical unity beginning with the fundamentals of physics theory. The constant time period is used in an analysis of the fine structure constant. New equations are derived to further clarify the nature of electromagnetic theory. The mathematics is algebraic manipulation of differential and incremental values. The analysis is on the level of introductory theory. The conclusion emphasizes an expanded role for absolute time in physics theory.
Author Bio
I am the author the websites http://newphysicstheory.com and its mirror site http://humansignificance.com. They present a new physics theory and several essays on physics, life and intelligence. The goal is to establish continuity beginning with fundamental physics and ending with human free will.
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James Putnam,
If a quantity is called a absolute one like for instance absolute temperature, then it should have a reference point zero. Do you believe that Christ's birth is appropriate for physics?
Eckard Blumschein
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Dear Mr. Blumschein,
From Einstein’s Theory of Relativity by Max Born:
“In this way Newton came to the conclusion that there is an absolute space and an absolute time. It will be best to give the substance of his own words (the quotations are from the translation of the original Latin by Newton’s contemporary, Andrew Motte, 1729). Concerning time he says:
‘Absolute, True, and Mathematical Time, of itself, and from its own nature flows equably without regard to any thing external, and by another name is called Duration: Relative, Apparent, and Common Time is some sensible and external 9whether accurate or unequable) measure of Duration by the means of motion, which is commonly used instead of True time; such as an Hour, a Day, a Month, a Year….
For the natural days are truly unequal, though they are commonly consider’d as equal, and used for a measure of time: Astronomers correct this inequality for their more accurate deducing of the celestial motions. It may be, that there is no such thing as an equable motion, whereby time may be accurately measured. All motions may be accelerated and retarded, but the True, or equable progress, of Absolute time is liable to no change. The duration or perseverance of the existence of things remains the same, whether the motions are swift or slow, or none at all….’”
As soon as I find out when time began, I will let you know. Thank you for your message.
James
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Mr. Blumschein,
In my answer to you, that extraneous 9 should be a ( as in: ...external (whether accurate or unequable) measure...
James
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