Re: Time Claim

Steve ( darklord@darknet.net )
Thu, 31 Dec 1998 15:37:35 -0500

> Okay.. I think I see what's happening here.. but I think the
> alternate-timeline theory still has some problems with paradoxes --
> what if the version of person A who RECIEVED the information chooses
> not to send it back to the past version of person A? Would the future
> version of person A still know the information? If so, where would it
> come from? Or would they have NO CHOICE but to send it back? I think
> this -- not sending the information back once you recieve it -- would
> be the most interesting test you could do of time travel. Of course,
> there's also the problem of how you objectively observe such an
> effect, since the rest of the world would change as well. Interesting.

I see what you mean.. ok.. if Person A decides not to send the
information back to his/her previous self, then the time loop would
probably stop there.. that version of Person A would still be rich,
but other versions might not be. As for observing the effect, I don't
think it would be possible without an actual, physical, time machine..
Even then I'm not sure it would be worth it.. because each alteration
of the natural "flow" of time would probably create new timelines..
So, without possessing a physical time machine, I'm not sure how the
effect would be observed beyond Person A making a videotape, and
during filming or shortly after, writing down some numbers which
happen to be the winning lottery numbers.. that person then sends the
videotape, and the winning numbers are projected back in time. Or, if
my theory is correct, into the next "loop".. (see star trek:tng episode
"Cause and Effect" to see what I'm referring to) Perhaps a better
term than "loop" would be iteration.. for every possible outcome of an
event, there exists an alternate, parallel timeline/reality.. there are
also other timelines, existing at a slightly earlier point in "time"
compared to your own timeline.. so therefore, the information isn't
actually being sent back in time, it's being sent to a simultaneous
timeline that is "lagged" by a certain period of time.. same events
happening, but they haven't experienced what you have yet.. (eg. a
lottery).

does that make *any* sense at all? someday I'll write up something on
all my ideas regarding time.. Most of the people I talk to however
seem to think I'm pretty crazy.. ah well. ;)

> "The Metaphysics Of Star Trek" had a good explanation of all the
> logical/philosophical issues involved with time travel, I can't find
> my copy right now though..

Ahh.. I've seen that book.. don't have it tho, but I do have "The
Physics of Star Trek". I found it a bit disappointing actually..

> Anyway, I think I understand the process now better.. thanks for
> clarifying it.

Well I hope this email doesn't confuse you then! ;)

ttyl
-Steve

--      darklord@darknet.net | ICQ: 5113616       DarkNet Online: http://www.darknet.netDigital Fusion: http://www.darknet.net/fusion