Is there a beginning of time?

Great Debates
21

Lib,

I only wish I had enough knowledge to locate the dimensions implied by string theory. In fact, I wish I had enough knowledge to make up a believable lie to make you think I had described the location of a dimension which was not an element of the three dimensions we use to define the phenomenon of location. The fact is that I read a lot about this sort of stuff, and understand a little. Where is not the right adjective. Unfortunately, there is no right adjective.

The space and time dimensions are “inflated” from the perspective of normal matter and energy, and space appears to be expanding, while time appears to be “self directional” (one way), and absolutely related to the processes of the fundamental forces. It may be that the strong nuclear force results from a dimensional characteristic of the universe that is also related to mass. There might well be others related to the other forces. There may be some related to the interactions between forces. Vacuum itself might be, or might have dimensional characteristics.

I don’t mind the fact that string theory brings up more questions than it answers. I don’t understand the original questions either, so I just keep reading, and keep asking. More questions doesn’t seem to be a bad thing, to me. Answers usually lead to questions. If they don’t, well . . . you have to go look for new questions on your own.

Tris

Imagine my signature begins five spaces to the right of center.

22

I know this riddle will be evidence that I’m easily amused, but what the hey; here it is:

QuestionHow much time passed before God created time?

AnswerNo time at all!

[laugh trackGROAN!

23

Please explain, as it is not self-evident to me.

The best lack all conviction
The worst are full of passionate intensity.
*

24

For Newtonian(sp?) physics, time and space exist on their own. Matter and energy are players on the stage, but really have no effect on space and time. Time could in this theory have no beginning.

Things are different in relativity. An empty universe would have no way to measure space and time. If there is in principle no way to measure something (like time and space) you cannot say it exists in any real sense.

Since everything was compressed into a point at the moment of the big bang, there could be no record of what happened “before”. The big bang was the beginning of time(and also space). It is not meaninful to ask about “before the big bang”.

Virtually yours,

DrMatrix
These words are mine and they are true - Chief Meninock

25

The Universe is not only stranger than we imagine, it is stranger than we can imagine.

(If anyone has the source of this quote, please let me know)

He’s the sort to stand on a hilltop in a thunderstorm wearing wet copper armor, shouting ‘All Gods are Bastards!’