Does time exist? Time is only the interval between events, so how can time exist as an entity?

Question

We only measure units of time based on our solar system i.e years, months, days, hours, minutes, seconds. But these are based on the way we see things. Even atomic clocks only measure changes in physical things i.e atom vibrations. So how can time 'flow' or exist like space exists.

Answer 1

GOOD QUESTION: well done! There is not really any such thing as time, it is merely our way of describing a particular abstract concept. If it was a solid physical reality it surely couldn't be relative. Lets all go and read Einstein and try to figure it out!

Answer 2

Lets try a thought experiment--

"Does distance exist? distance is only the interval between points, so how can distance exist as an entity?

We only measure units of distance based on our defined system i.e feet meter inches, lightyears etc. But these are based on the way we see things. Even laser based systems only measure physical attributes i.e length. So how can distance exist like time exists?"


Now go back and read omoatayo's answer... :-)

Answer 3

Time does not exist outside the mind's perception. Therefore, it does not have a separate entity. Niether does space nor causation. Those three concepts are the visionary outcome of the brain structure with which our consciousness become aware of the material world.

Answer 4

Time is one dimension in what we all experience as 4 dimensional space-time. There may be more dimensions, but they are either so small or weakly interacting that we cannot experence them. Space-time is granular at around the 10exp-137metre level - this means that as you go down small enough, time is no longer smoothly flowing, it becomes discrete. This is very small, remember the planck length is 10exp-35metres

Answer 5

Time is artificial and, as humans have defined it, relates only to the passing of events on this planet, and this planet only. Does it exist and 'flow,' sure.
It flows differently based on perception, specific location in the universe, and what base for measurement is used. It is by no means a universal standard as we define it.
A lot of Einstein-ian battles are sure to ensue, but Einsteins theories are limited in truth and accuracy by his being in only one place (existing within one specific orbit around a particular star) in the universe, (a 'VERY" large place btw,) the standards he used, as well as his perception of how things really work. (...and a lot of reallly ugly math....some of which itself was 'created' to explain the theories that he postulated, as well as those of others.)

Think about this the next time you believe you are standing perfectly still: The complete orbital path (I'll use circular for ease of calculation) of the Earth around the Sun is ~584.6 Million miles. (1 Years time, as we Earthlings measure it.) In one day, the earth moves ~1.6 Million miles on that path. 66,686.22 mph. Talk about 'Flow!'

Answer 6

Time is not an entity in and of itself. It's simply the name applied to a particular method of measurement.

"The problem with the physicists who do not remember the definition of time is that they forget that 'time' isn't something we discovered, named, and have yet to figure out. Rather, we needed a system for measuring movement, we created a system for measuring it, and we named it 'time'." - Angela Morgan

Answer 7

There is no specific code in our DNA for a chin, there is only code for a jaw. A chin is just the cosequence of having a jaw. Time is a consequence of space.

Answer 8

Time is a "temporal" dimension, we are all travelling forward through it, the entire UNIVERSE. Do not even attempt to equate it with "spacial" dimensions, that will only cause you confusion.

Answer 9

Time is a human invention. It is our perception of the order that events happen in.

Answer 10

One word - Entropy