The Absoluteness of Time by James A. Putnam

James Putnam,

If a quantity is called a absolute one like for instance absolute temperature, then it should have a reference point zero. Do you believe that Christ's birth is appropriate for physics?

Eckard Blumschein

Dear Mr. Blumschein,

From Einstein's Theory of Relativity by Max Born:

"In this way Newton came to the conclusion that there is an absolute space and an absolute time. It will be best to give the substance of his own words (the quotations are from the translation of the original Latin by Newton's contemporary, Andrew Motte, 1729). Concerning time he says:

'Absolute, True, and Mathematical Time, of itself, and from its own nature flows equably without regard to any thing external, and by another name is called Duration: Relative, Apparent, and Common Time is some sensible and external 9whether accurate or unequable) measure of Duration by the means of motion, which is commonly used instead of True time; such as an Hour, a Day, a Month, a Year....

For the natural days are truly unequal, though they are commonly consider'd as equal, and used for a measure of time: Astronomers correct this inequality for their more accurate deducing of the celestial motions. It may be, that there is no such thing as an equable motion, whereby time may be accurately measured. All motions may be accelerated and retarded, but the True, or equable progress, of Absolute time is liable to no change. The duration or perseverance of the existence of things remains the same, whether the motions are swift or slow, or none at all....'"

As soon as I find out when time began, I will let you know. Thank you for your message.

James

Mr. Blumschein,

In my answer to you, that extraneous 9 should be a ( as in: ...external (whether accurate or unequable) measure...

James

Dear James A. Putnam,

Speed of light plays the important role in understanding of the nature of time. Three possible reasons exist for an explanation of the observable constancy of speed of light:

1. Feature of propagation of light in the vacuum;

2. Feature of propagation of light in the luminiferous ether;

3. Feature of propagation of light in the gravitational field.

The first reason is considered in the special theory of relativity, where speed of light in vacuum is the constant for any inertial observer. The second item is presented in different variants of the ether theory. The third reason is researched in the essay The Theory of Time, Space and Gravitation, where the constancy of speed of light is consequence of action of gravitation. In this theory it is proved, that the time dilation and increase in inertial mass are gravitational effects. The inconsistent effect of longitudinal length contraction in the new theory is absent. Any contradictions typical for the special theory relativity, for example, the clock paradox are absent also. As is well known, in the general theory of relativity a problem of gravitational energy still remains not solved. In the new theory gravitational energy is precisely localized.

Regards,

Robert Sadykov

Dear Robert Sadykov,

Thank you for your message. I posted a response in your forum.

Regards,

James