[Paper Review] Reality of Time

S. C. Tiwari|arXiv (Cornell University)|Oct 8, 2001

Quantum Mechanics and Applications4 references3 citations

TL;DR

The paper challenges the conventional interpretation of action at a distance in relativity, arguing that instantaneous action is incompatible with relativity and field theory. It proposes that physical reality of absolute time underlies action, suggesting gravity may be a natural consequence of this absolute time, while electromagnetic forces cannot be instantaneous despite direct particle interactions.

ABSTRACT

The meaning of action at a distance is elucidated. It is shown that the absence of a medium to transmit action (usually referred to as AAD in the literature) and action are not identical. Since the term instantaneous is incompatible with relativity and field theory, a critique is presented on the concept of time in relativity. It is argued that relativity does not deal with the nature of time. Physical reality of the absolute time is envisaged, and action is proposed to be a natural consequence of it. Possibly gravity is such kind of a force, however the electromagnetic force, though envisaged as direct particle interaction (i.e. without intermediary fields) can not be instantaneous.

Motivation & Objective

• To clarify the distinction between the absence of a medium for action and action at a distance.
• To critique the concept of time in relativity, arguing it does not address the true nature of time.
• To propose that physical reality of absolute time is fundamental to action in nature.
• To explore whether gravity arises naturally from absolute time, while rejecting instantaneous electromagnetic forces.

Proposed method

• Analyzes the meaning and implications of action at a distance (AAD) without a transmission medium.
• Critiques the use of 'instantaneous' in relativity and field theory, rejecting its compatibility with relativistic principles.
• Proposes that absolute time is physically real and underlies causal action in nature.
• Argues that gravity may be a manifestation of this absolute time, while electromagnetic forces, though direct, cannot be instantaneous.
• Uses conceptual and theoretical reasoning rather than mathematical formalism to challenge standard interpretations of time and action.

Experimental results

Research questions

• RQ1 Is action at a distance logically distinct from the absence of a medium for transmission?
• RQ2 Does relativity truly account for the nature of time, or merely describe its effects?
• RQ3 Can physical reality of absolute time explain fundamental forces like gravity?
• RQ4 Why can electromagnetic forces not be instantaneous despite direct particle interactions?
• RQ5 How does the concept of absolute time reconcile with modern field theory and relativity?

Key findings

• Action at a distance is not equivalent to the absence of a medium; the two concepts are distinct.
• The term 'instantaneous' is incompatible with relativity and field theory, rendering it physically meaningless in this context.
• Relativity does not address the true nature of time, only its observable effects.
• Physical reality of absolute time is proposed as the foundation for causal action in nature.
• Gravity may be a natural consequence of absolute time, while electromagnetic forces cannot be instantaneous despite direct interactions.
• The paper rejects the idea of instantaneous electromagnetic forces, even in direct particle interaction models.