Minimum Viable Cosmology - 3
Time to rethink the λCDM model
Following on from the MVC considerations of the previous discussion where we stated that quantum vacuum fluctuations and consciousness were fundamental building blocks of the universe, we now have the three dimensions of space and one of time to consider along with consciousness — Question #2.
The three dimensions of space: length, width, and height allow us to navigate through space, determine the size and shape of objects and understand our position relative to other objects.
Time has a direction - from past, to the present and into the future. The combination of these four dimensions is known as spacetime and is the fundamental concept to Einstein's theory of relativity. According to this theory, the fabric of spacetime is curved by mass and energy, leading to phenomena such as gravity and the bending of light. They provide the framework within which we understand and interact with the universe.
Space-time
This space-time diagram is often presented and is used to explain gravity. Yes, but doesn’t space-time have four dimensions?
Some of Einstein’s theory seem counterintuitive - the presence of mass and energy warps spacetime, causing time to dilate. This means that time can run slower in stronger gravitational fields, a phenomenon confirmed by numerous experiments.
In the realm of quantum mechanics, time is treated as a dynamic and probabilistic quantity, unlike the fixed and continuous flow of time in classical physics. When it comes to time, the quantum view suggests that time is not an absolute and continuous flow, but rather a series of discrete moments or "quantum jumps."
Additionally, the concept of entanglement plays a significant role in the quantum view of time. Entanglement occurs when two or more particles become correlated in such a way that the state of one particle is instantly connected to the state of another, regardless of the distance between them.
Our perception of time of time is a fundamental aspect of consciousness and we experience time as a continuous flow from the past, to the present and into the future.
Time is not only a scientific and philosophical concept but also a subjective experience. Our perception of time can vary depending on our mental state and the context in which we find ourselves. When engaged in an enjoyable activity or experiencing a state of flow, time can seem to fly by, while moments of boredom or anticipation can make time feel slow and drawn out. This subjective experience of time is influenced by factors such as attention, memory, and emotional state.
Is time = consciousness? Our experience of time is intricately linked to our conscious awareness. Without this awareness, there would be no perception or experience of time. From this perspective, time is seen as a fundamental aspect of consciousness itself. This where we need to pause to clarify the meaning and usage of certain words (we’ll expand upon this problem when we get to Wittgenstein — Question #5). In these postings, I will use the term AWARENESS to mean our experience of consciousness and CONSCIOUSNESS remains as an objective fundamental of the universe (as alluded to in the previous posting).
For the MVC: the universe consists of space-time, consciousness and matter. Consciousness is embedded into the fabric of the universe.
Below is a video of Stuart Hameroff and Robert Kuhn discussing consciousness.
Next posting: Question#3 - the Beginning