PHYSICS:
Time and Motion – A link with Metaphysics.
M.J.Bull
2013
If one were to view (as a thought experiment) the
Universe from outside it, as an expanding bubble set within a matrix
which is unknown and not visible to us, it would appear as a bubble
within which everything was in motion. All of matter, micro and
macro and its energy, moves relative to every other part of matter
and energy. This may be a fair description of the galaxies, stars,
planets, atoms, particles and their related energies as we see them.
From our position within the Universe, we measure motion using an
invisible and abstract concept which we call Time. Mathematics
indicates that the concept of time has a variability with respect to
motion, as outlined by the Theory of Special Relativity. In this
context from within the universe, it is motion which defines time,
not time which defines motion.
A summary of the above observation is that time is not
apparent without a change (caused by motion). It is that change which
defines time rather than time defining the change. In terms of
physics, change is called 'entropy' and it is therefore entropy which
defines time. From our point of observation within the universe,
entropy
(change) moves only from a state of order to a state of increasing
disorder
(as stated in the Laws of Thermodynamics), and that is why time
appears unidirectional to us.
It
can be strongly argued that the coalescence of random clouds of gas
in space into the formation of stars is normal entropy in reverse,
with matter moving from a state of disorder and random motion to a
more ordered state. The fusion of simple hydrogen into more complex
atomic structures as happens within a star seems to support the
reverse entropy hypothesis. If that is the case, then that process by
extension, constitutes a reversal of the 'arrow of time'.
It
also suggests how the universe could be returned to the 'singularity'
which is thought to have preceded the 'big bang', or the birth of our
universe. Entropy has been considered only to move in one direction
as has time. The birth of a star may be visual evidence of the
reversal of entropy, and therefore the reversal of time. The concept
of the linearity of time is one we find difficult to move away from,
as evidenced by our confusion when considering quantum entanglement.
Returning to the universe 'bubble' concept, in the
thought experiment, if one could observe the universe from outside it
then the existence of motion within would be apparent, but would that
mean that the motion observed is an agent of change? Put another way,
by analogy, if one were to stand under (or in) a waterfall, the
motion and energy of the waterfall would be real and apparent. If one
were to observe the waterfall from a distance, outside of it, the
motion of the water is observable but the waterfall does not change
as a whole. It will look the same tomorrow as it does today. Then,
observation of motion from outside of a closed system (the bubble)
yields a different result to an observation from within that closed
system. If motion is not causing change, then time is not apparent.
The conclusion is that beyond the three dimensional
limits of the material universe, time may not exist. Time exists only
where motion causes change, and therefore time is a product of change
rather than of motion.
The implication of these observations may be that a
dimension which does not form a part of the material universe is
independent of time. Such a dimension may include consciousness or
the concept of a spiritual dimension, which many believe exist, but
do not understand through 'rational provable science'. The idea of
timelessness has been a part of these concepts from all cultures on
earth. Perhaps the foregoing may point to a basis within physics for
the existence of timelessness.
The apparent irreversibility of entropy (and time)
when considering the nature of the universe from within it, has a
limiting effect on the ideas that can be considered as possible,
moving many of these to the realm of science fiction. An example of
this is the phenomenum of quantum entanglement, which does not seem
possible from the view available from within the universe.The ability
to consider an idea arising from an observation of the universe from
outside its limits enhances its inclusion in that which is possible.
The ability to do this, in itself, is a demonstration that our
consciousness exists outside of the material universe, and outside of
time. It would not otherwise be possible to observe the universe from
outside it in a thought experiment.
In can then logically be concluded that if we, as a
material part of the universe, also possess a consciousness which is
not a part of the material universe then we are a composite of both.
That is the same idea which underlies the metaphysics which is called
spiritualism. There are many differing views and 'beliefs' about the
subject of spiritualism, but nearly all have that dualism of material
and non-material in common and a link between life and other life by
a non-material commonality.
The 'quantum leap' that science has yet to make is
perhaps the recognition of the link between Physics and Metaphysics.
That link, it can be argued, exists through the exploration of ideas
related to time and entropy, as outlined above. Entropy and time are
both areas thought by many to have no further possibilities for
expansion of understanding. This article is written to question that
view and show that there may be a link between Physics and
Metaphysics which can withstand logical scientific scrutiny without
the need for 'belief' to bridge that gap. A change in perception
opens many new possibilities to enhance understanding. That has
always been the case in science.
