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| The physics taught in most schools describes the universe in terms of [[Galilean relativity]] in which only the durationless present exists. This concept is known as [[presentism (philosophy of time)|presentism]] and is widely believed. | | The physics taught in most schools describes the universe in terms of [[Galilean relativity]] in which only the durationless present exists. This concept is known as [[presentism (philosophy of time)|presentism]] and is widely believed. |
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− | The modern [[theory of relativity]] provides a physical description of the universe which began at the [[Big Bang]]. [[NASA]] has been able to verify the time of the origin of the universe using the background radiation left over from the big bang. According to [[NASA]], time, space, and matter began 13.7 billion years plus or minus 1%.[http://map.gsfc.nasa.gov/m_mm/mr_age.html Nasa WMAP AGE] Since the discovery of the Big Bang scientists who agree to this theory consider time to have moved in a uni-direction forward direction. In this model the past precedes the present which precedes the future. | + | The modern [[theory of relativity]] provides a physical description of the universe which began at the [[Big Bang]]. [[NASA]] has been able to verify the time of the origin of the universe using the background radiation left over from the big bang. According to [[NASA]], time, space, and matter began 13.7 billion years plus or minus 1%.[https://map.gsfc.nasa.gov/m_mm/mr_age.html Nasa WMAP AGE] Since the discovery of the Big Bang scientists who agree to this theory consider time to have moved in a uni-direction forward direction. In this model the past precedes the present which precedes the future. |
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| Opposite to the cosmic level, in the quantum world, the smallest distance that makes sense is the [[Planck length]]; at this level space-time itself becomes extremely distorted ([[quantum foam]]). Here the uncertainty principle allows particles and energy to briefly come into existence, and then annihilate, without violating conservation laws . Beyond the [[Planck time]] (1.855×10<sup>43</sup>), time itself as we know it is meaningless. | | Opposite to the cosmic level, in the quantum world, the smallest distance that makes sense is the [[Planck length]]; at this level space-time itself becomes extremely distorted ([[quantum foam]]). Here the uncertainty principle allows particles and energy to briefly come into existence, and then annihilate, without violating conservation laws . Beyond the [[Planck time]] (1.855×10<sup>43</sup>), time itself as we know it is meaningless. |
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− | {{quotation|''One finds that time just disappears from the [[Wheeler-deWitt equation]], it is an issue that many theorists have puzzled about. It may be that the best way to think about quantum reality is to give up the notion of time - that the fundamental description of the universe must be timeless.'' Carlo Rovelli, physicist, University of the Mediterranean in Marseille, France. [http://discovermagazine.com/2007/jun/in-no-time Time May Not Exist]? | + | {{quotation|''One finds that time just disappears from the [[Wheeler-deWitt equation]], it is an issue that many theorists have puzzled about. It may be that the best way to think about quantum reality is to give up the notion of time - that the fundamental description of the universe must be timeless.'' Carlo Rovelli, physicist, University of the Mediterranean in Marseille, France. [https://discovermagazine.com/2007/jun/in-no-time Time May Not Exist]? |
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| == Symbolism and eternity == | | == Symbolism and eternity == |
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| There is a folk story where a wise shepherd boy is brought to a king to answer three questions. The third question he is asked to answer is "How many seconds are in eternity?" The boy responds by telling the king there is a mountain that is one hour deep, one hour long, and one hour wide. It is comprised entirely of diamond and every century a little bird comes to sharpen its beak on the mountain. The boy tells the king that when the mountain is entirely worn down one second of eternity will have passed. | | There is a folk story where a wise shepherd boy is brought to a king to answer three questions. The third question he is asked to answer is "How many seconds are in eternity?" The boy responds by telling the king there is a mountain that is one hour deep, one hour long, and one hour wide. It is comprised entirely of diamond and every century a little bird comes to sharpen its beak on the mountain. The boy tells the king that when the mountain is entirely worn down one second of eternity will have passed. |
| ==Quote== | | ==Quote== |
− | The ''progression of eternity'' does not consist solely in [[spiritual]] development. [[Intellectual]] acquisition is also a part of universal [[education]]. The [[experience]] of the mind is broadened equally with the expansion of the spiritual horizon. Mind and [[spirit]] are afforded like opportunities for training and advancement.[http://mercy.urantia.org/cgi-bin/webglimpse/mfs/usr/local/www/data/papers?link=http://mercy.urantia.org/papers/paper37.html&file=/usr/local/www/data/papers/paper37.html&line=122#mfs] | + | The ''progression of eternity'' does not consist solely in [[spiritual]] development. [[Intellectual]] acquisition is also a part of universal [[education]]. The [[experience]] of the mind is broadened equally with the expansion of the spiritual horizon. Mind and [[spirit]] are afforded like opportunities for training and advancement.[https://mercy.urantia.org/cgi-bin/webglimpse/mfs/usr/local/www/data/papers?link=https://mercy.urantia.org/papers/paper37.html&file=/usr/local/www/data/papers/paper37.html&line=122#mfs] |
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| [[Category: General Reference]] | | [[Category: General Reference]] |
| [[Category: Philosophy]] | | [[Category: Philosophy]] |