In April of 1922, Albert Einstein and Henri Bergson famously disagreed in a debate on the nature of time. With the benefit of hindsight, the source of this conflict appears to be a dichotomy between the geometric views of time considered by Einstein and the subjective experience of it as duration adopted by Bergson. Is Bergson's experienced duration identical with Einstein's geometric time, or are they two separate entities that are merely correlated during life? If we assume the latter, how do we enquire into the nature of this relationship?Relying on current research into the nature of space-time, this book posits that the physical world evolves in a predictable (unitary) way at the quantum level, and that this remains the case even under the extreme conditions of maximal gravitational collapse. Moreover, it appears that closed timelike curves are not admitted without the existence of exotic matter, which would otherwise compromise predictability. Turning to the philosophy of mind and psychical research, the book also examines the possibility that the relationship between experienced duration and geometric time can be modified.
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Produktdetaljer

ISBN
9781527593114
Publisert
2023-02-13
Utgiver
Cambridge Scholars Publishing
Høyde
212 mm
Bredde
148 mm
Aldersnivå
P, 06
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Innbundet
Antall sider
150

Forfatter

Biografisk notat

Dr James C Austin's current academic interests include the mind-body problem, general relativity and the foundations of physics relating to interpretations of quantum theory. His formal scientific training began as a mature student reading Mathematics and Electronics at the University of Keele, UK, from which he is a retired lecturer. As part of his degree, he completed a subsidiary module in the Philosophy of Science. He also holds a PhD in Diagnostic Ultrasonics, and has published around 30 articles in a variety of fields.