A physics Q. Why is it that time remains a constant unit as in seconds, minutes, hours, days, and etc, yet on the indivdual, experiential level one experiences a speeding up effect or quickening as one passes through this phenomenon?
2007-02-15 05:44:22 · 5 answers · asked by star_star1972 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
One reason is that each individual's experiential perception of time is different, arbitrary, and independent, whereas, to an objective outside observer, the time vector in that same system is uniform fo all in that system.
However, the *perception* of time by a living organism is a complex neuro-psychological phenomenon. Keep in mind that all biological processes are time-dependent, and that physical existence is shot through with time, from biochemical reactions, to kinesiology to electrical activity in the nervous system. In short, our means of detecting cues about the passage of time, and our means of analyzing those cues, are themselves dependent upon basic physiological processes that are in turn time dependent. As such, one hypothesis is that we do a short of subconscious division problem, where the more that is going on around us (the busier we are) makes for a bigger denominator of experience, and so, a faster perceived passage of time.
2007-02-15 05:56:15 · answer #1 · answered by Jerry P 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You kinda answered your own question. It's experiential and relative to the individual. The longer we live, the more easily we begin to comprehend longer and longer units of time because we have experienced them. As a result, the 'shorter' units of time become something that 'appear' to pass more quickly as our conscious focus becomes more attuned to longer intervals.
Doug
2007-02-15 05:57:25 · answer #2 · answered by doug_donaghue 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Time is a very difficuilt concept and our experience of time passing changes. We seem to experience time as the passing of events rather than as a fourth dimension. But even without events time passes.
Hence, time is not defined in terms of experience but in terms of the speed of light. One again it shows that we are not the center of the universe.
2007-02-15 06:02:03 · answer #3 · answered by Peter R 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Passes through which phenomenon?
2007-02-15 05:53:14 · answer #4 · answered by sm177y 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe you can clarify.
No clue what you're talking about.
2007-02-15 05:53:54 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋