Philosophy Time Essays - Physical Cosmology, Big Bang, Time

Philosophy: Time Time is defined as a measured or measurable period, a continuum that lacks spatial dimensions. This broad definition lacks the simple explanation that humans are searching for. There are many scientists, philosophers, and thinkers who have tried to put time into understanding terms. The aspects of time that we can understand are only based on what we can perceive, observe, and calculate. Every day we look at our watches or clocks. We plan our day around different times of the day. Time tells us when to eat, when to sleep, and how long to do things for. If time were based on these simple terms, then this mysterious enigma would not be in debate. There are the issues of space and time; what is the relationship of the two? Is time relative, or absolute? What makes time seem to go faster in some instances, and slower in others? Does the speed of time change, or is it all in our heads? In the following paper, I will discuss the meaning of time perceived and theorized by two of the greatest minds of human kind. Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking have expanded the understanding of time to another level. Their ideas and opinions are what brought us to a higher understanding of the earth and the universe. In the following paragraphs, this paper will encompass these ideas, and try to find a focus of understanding of this thing we call time. First I will address the question, did time have a beginning? I don't think that anyone can explain the postulate that time has always been in existence. The problem with this, is that we have no scientific evidence or theories which can support this argument. Certainly, we can't just accept this spiritual idea. There had to have been a beginning of time. The most acceptable explanation of the beginning of time, is the relationship between space and time. When space and the universe began, the existence of time also began. This theory is well-known as the Big Bang Theory. About fifteen billion years ago, the universe was comprised of very hot compressed gas, as a fireball. This is contrary to the idea of the universe beginning as a lump of matter somewhere in the void of space. Matter was created as a result of the Big Bang. Space and time was also created. So, with these ideas, time had a beginning. Looking at it a different way, in the early universe, the normal concept of time is uncertain. Our accepted perceptions, and calculations of time can't be explained all the way back to the Big Bang. There is no way to define time in that era. This is another way that time has a beginning; as far back as we can calculate. Space-time began at the same time. According to Hawking, you can't look at the universe using general relativity without finding a big bang or something similar to that at the very beginning. So what does time mean to people now? Time is different as you go through time zones. Everyone has their own perception of time. Nobody is ever on the same schedule, doing things exactly like another person. Even to go as far as other galaxies and planets, time cannot be existing on the same terms. In short, time is not absolute. In the space-time continuum, space bends whenever there is a mass. It's kind of like a bowling ball hitting a trampoline. When it hits, it makes a ?dent?. This is a part in the space-time continuum which is different everywhere you go. The universe is expanding. The universe continues to expand, and the galaxies have continued to move away from each other ever since. This is why time is not a constant term. Nothing is the same, and there is no absolutes. Quantum Physics even shows that time is not an absolute. If you know where an electron is, you can't know it's speed. If you know what the speed of an electron is, then you can't know its position. If there are two chairs, and you see someone sitting in one, when you turn away, you can't be sure that he or she is still there. You also can't be sure that they are not in two chairs at the same time, or what point in time they are in them. This all leads up to Einstein's theory that time is relative. A lot of Einstein's theories of time relate to the speed of light. He says that time slows down, as you approach the speed of light. An experiment to support this theory was done