Does time truly exist? The notion may seem absurd as we routinely reference calendars and clocks. However, the recent advancements in physics propose the potential non-existence of time, a concept that demands serious contemplation.
The Current Conundrum in Physics
Physics is currently grappling with a crisis. For the past century, the interpretation of the Universe has been based on two highly successful theories: general relativity and quantum mechanics.
The realm of quantum mechanics unravels the mysteries of the infinitesimally small world of particles and their interactions. On the other hand, general relativity portrays the grand scheme involving gravity and the movement of objects.
Although both theories excel individually, they are perceived to conflict with one another. The nature of this conflict remains contentious, but the scientific consensus leans towards the requirement of a new, comprehensive theory.
##Quantum Gravity: The Next Frontier
Physicists are on the quest to formulate a theory of "quantum gravity". This theory aims to incorporate the triumphs of both general relativity and quantum mechanics, providing an explanation for gravity's macroscopic operations at the microscopic scale of particles.
The Challenge of Quantum Gravity
Deriving a theory of quantum gravity is proving to be a formidable task. An attempt to resolve the conflict between the two theories is string theory, which replaces particles with vibrating strings in up to 11 dimensions.
However, string theory presents its own set of challenges. The models provided by string theory that describe a Universe similar to ours are plentiful, but lack clear, testable predictions to decipher the right one.
In the late 20th century, dissatisfaction with string theory led physicists to explore new mathematical approaches to quantum gravity.
Loop Quantum Gravity: A Timeless Approach
One of the most acclaimed of these theories is loop quantum gravity. This theory suggests that the fabric of space and time is woven from a network of incredibly tiny, discrete chunks, or "loops".
Intriguingly, loop quantum gravity appears to eradicate the concept of time entirely. It isn't the only theory proposing this; numerous other approaches seem to negate time as a fundamental aspect of reality.
The Concept of Emergent Time
The necessity for a new physical theory to explain the Universe that may not feature time is evident. If such a theory proves correct, does it imply that time does not exist? The answer is complex and largely depends on our definition of existence.
Physical theories do not encompass everyday objects, such as tables, chairs, or people. Yet, we acknowledge their existence, attributing it to a higher level than physics.
We consider objects like tables to "emerge" from the underlying physics of particles moving throughout the Universe. However, we understand how a table can be constructed from fundamental particles, but we lack understanding of how time might be "composed" of something more essential.
Unless we can develop a credible explanation of how time emerges, we cannot simply assume its existence. It's conceivable that time might not exist at any level.
TIME AND AGENCY
Saying that time does not exist at any level is like saying that there are no tables at all.
Trying to get by in a world without tables might be tough, but managing in a world without time seems positively disastrous.
Our entire lives are built around time. We plan for the future, in light of what we know about the past. We hold people morally accountable for their past actions, with an eye to reprimanding them later on.
We believe ourselves to be agents (entities that can do things) in part because we can plan to act in a way that will bring about changes in the future.
But what's the point of acting to bring about a change in the future when, in a very real sense, there is no future to act for?
What's the point of punishing someone for a past action, when there is no past and so, apparently, no such action?
The discovery that time does not exist would seem to bring the entire world to a grinding halt. We would have no reason to get out of bed.
BUSINESS AS USUAL
There is a way out of the mess. While physics might eliminate time, it seems to leave causation intact: the sense in which one thing can bring about another.
Perhaps what physics is telling us, then, is that causation and not time is the basic feature of our Universe.
If that's right, then agency can still survive. For it is possible to reconstruct a sense of agency entirely in causal terms.
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