Philosopher questions language used to describe space-time
6 reported
A new philosophical analysis published by The Conversation challenges how physicists and the public talk about space-time, the interwoven fabric of space and time central to Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity. The article, written by Daryl Janzen, an observatory manager and astronomy instructor at the University of Saskatchewan, argues that the language used to describe space-time is often vague, metaphorical, and inconsistent. It specifically examines the “block universe” concept, which treats all events in the past, present, and future as equally real and timeless. The analysis suggests that physicists may be blurring the distinction between things that exist and things that merely occur, creating confusion about what space-time actually is. The piece draws on the philosophy of Ludwig Wittgenstein and contrasts the views of eternalism with everyday concepts of existence and occurrence. It notes that while Einstein’s equations remain valid, how they are interpreted shapes discussions about time travel, multiverses, and attempts to reconcile general relativity with quantum theory.
What’s reported
The article is a philosophical look at space-time, challenging the popular view of a timeless “block universe.”
It argues that physicists may blur the difference between things that exist and things that merely occur.
The analysis was published by The Conversation and written by Daryl Janzen, Observatory Manager and Instructor in Astronomy at the University of Saskatchewan.
The piece references Austrian-British philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein’s warning that philosophical problems arise when “language goes on holiday.”
It contrasts the film “The Terminator” (1984), where time travel cannot change the timeline, with “Avengers: Endgame” (2019), where time travel allows changes to the timeline.
The article states that Einstein’s equations still work and the mathematical theory of relativity is not endangered.
Key figures
Daryl Janzen, Observatory Manager and Instructor, Astronomy, University of Saskatchewan
Albert Einstein, physicist (mentioned in relation to theory of relativity)
Ludwig Wittgenstein, Austrian-British philosopher (mentioned in relation to language)
Sources: ScienceDaily
