The inseparability of time and space emerged
in connection with electrodynamics, or the law of propagation of light.
With the discovery of the relativity of simultaneity, space and time were
merged in a single continuum in a way similar to that in which the three
dimensions of space had previously merged into a single continuum. Physical
space was thus extended to a four dimensional space which also included
the dimension of time. The four dimensional space of the special theory
of relativity is just as rigid and absolute as Newton's
space.
(Albert Einstein, 1954)
The results of calculation indicate that if matter be distributed uniformly, the universe would necessarily be spherical. ...
I must not fail to mention that a theoretical argument can be adduced in favour of the hypothesis of a finite universe. The general theory of relativity teaches that the inertia of a given body is greater as there are more ponderable masses in proximity to it; thus it seems very natural to reduce the total inertia of a body to interactions between it and the other bodies in the universe, as indeed, ever since Newton’s time, gravity has been completely reduced to interaction between bodies. (Albert Einstein, 1954)
Vortex Theory has become a popular alternative science theory over the past few years. The foundation of Vortex Theory, that Space is a liquid which flows, does not explain what exists but the human naive real world of sense experiences. Vortex Theory does not explain Mach's Principle and how matter interacts with all other matter in the universe, the Lorentz Transformations and Albert Einstein's Theory of Relativity.
On the other hand, the Wave Structure of Matter (WSM) and the Metaphysics of Space and Motion simply solves these problems by explaining that Space exists with the properties of a wave-medium.
Below is a list of arguments for why Space cannot 'flow' are some good summaries of Vortex Theory. On the left side of this page you will find links to the main articles which explain and solve many of the problems of postmodern Metaphysics, Physics and Philosophy from the new foundation of the Metaphysics of Space and the Wave Structure of Matter (WSM).
Geoff Haselhurst
There is no justifications for applying concept of 'flowing' to space itself. Flowing is an empirical thing, not a metaphysical thing - and all philosophers of science realise that reality is not founded on empirical things.
"Rather, they start this, displaying it to the senses, .... and go on to offer more or less rigorous demonstrations of the per se attributes of their proprietary genera. This sort of procedure is inductive and it is as plain as a pikestaff that it does not amount to a demonstration of essence or of what it is to be a thing." (Aristotle, Metaphysics)
"But also philosophy is not about perceptible substances (they, you see, are prone to destruction)" (Aristotle, Metaphysics)
The Wave Structure of Matter explains how liquids (and solids / gases) form due to the interaction of the spherical In and Out-Waves in a nearly rigid space / wave medium. Thus there is no need to apply the concept of 'flowing' to Space itself.
This causes two fundamental problems for human knowledge;
i) You are no longer describing reality from One substance thus you loose necessary connection.
ii) You must explain what these parts are and how they are connected, which requires assuming existence of many things.
(Basically you are defeating the whole purpose and beauty of WSM in explaining how matter is interconnected - which is the central problem of particle / field theories in space time.)
It would be strange indeed if, at the most fundamental level of reality, Motion existed in two different forms, as both Wave Motion of Space (which explains 'flowing' motion) and also as flowing motion of Space.
In fact you could discuss ideas of flowing space for the next 100 years and never resolve anything, as it is obvious it will lead to
endless difficulties. (And history shows this is true, vortex theories have been around for centuries).
i) Matter affects Space
ii) Matter is spherically spatially extended - not a particle.
iii) Space-Time (really waves in Space) is rigid.
Recapitulating, we may say that according to the general theory of relativity space is endowed with physical qualities; in this sense,
therefore, there exists an ether. According to the general theory of relativity space without ether is unthinkable; for in such space there not only would be no propagation of light, but also no possibility of existence for standards of space and time (measuring-rods and clocks), nor therefore any space-time intervals in the physical sense. But this ether may not be thought of as endowed with the quality characteristic of ponderable media, as consisting of parts which may be tracked through time. The idea of motion (i.e. flowing motion of particles) may not be applied to it. (Albert Einstein, Leiden Lecture, 1920)
"The inseparability of time and space emerged in connection with electrodynamics, or the law of propagation of light. With the discovery of the relativity of simultaneity, space and time were merged in a single continuum in a way similar to that in which the three dimensions of space had previously merged into a single continuum. Physical space was thus extended to a four dimensional space which also included the dimension of time. The four dimensional space of the special theory of relativity is just as rigid and absolute as Newton's space. (Albert Einstein, 1954)
I should add that Einstein was very close to the truth in realising that matter was not a 'particle' but rather that matter, space and time are all part of one thing.
When forced to summarize the general theory of relativity in one sentence:
Time and space and gravitation have no separate existence from matter.(Albert Einstein)
His error was to work with fields and describe matter as spherical fields in spacetime, rather than spherical waves in space. His matter curves spacetime is correct once you realise that spacetime is waves in space, and these waves do affect the properties of the wave medium (e.g. curving of waves / light as it propagates past sun.
(Also see other science articles on Einstein below)
There is simply no justification in introducing it as a concept.
And a 9th point about vortex theory. Matter interacts spherically, vortices do not explain this, the WSM does. Matter interacts with all other matter in universe, vortex theory does not explain this, WSM does (with mathematical precision).
While we can certainly imagine 'flowing space' it is prudent to remember the words of Leibniz;
... a distinction must be made between true and false ideas, and that too much rein must not be given to a man's (woman's) imagination under pretext of its being a clear and distinct intellection. (Leibniz, 1670)
Vortex Theory is correct that Motion is the cause of Time (Time is the Human Representation that everything (matter) is in Motion).
The Vortex Theory is based upon the hypothesis that time does not exist as a fundamental principle of the universe, but instead, only exists as a phenomenon created by motion, a “shadow” of motion.
The implications of this single philosophical idea possess disastrous consequences for all of 20th Century science. Every belief based upon the idea of time is at jeopardy. Especially Einstein’s Theory of Relativity (Relativity is based upon the existence of a fourth dimension called “SPACE-TIME!”). It was realized that even Newton’s laws needed to be looked at again.
Although both Einstein and Newton were giants in the world of science, their reasoning processes were both based upon time. They both believed in time. Even though Newton believed time was linear [the same everywhere in the universe], and Einstein believed it was relative, the result was the same – they both believed time was a real and fundamental principle of the universe. Because of this fact, they incorporated it into their visions of how the universe was constructed.
But if time does not exist as a fundamental principle of the universe, then Einstein’s fourth dimension of space-time does not contain any “Time” characteristics. Hence, it can no longer be used as an explanation for the length shrinkage and time dilation effects revealed by Michelson and Morley’s famous experiment.
To correct this error, the true nature of time must first be discovered. Then because time was used to explain how matter, space, energy, and the forces of nature are constructed – we have to start all over again. But this “time”, using the correct nature of time, we can rediscover how matter, space, energy, and the forces of nature are really constructed. So how do we do it?
When time is eliminated as a cause for these length shrinkage and time dilation effects, the only thing left to explain what is happening is the increased velocity of matter itself as it moves through space. Consequently, there must exist an intrinsic relationship between matter, space, and velocity whose interactions create a mechanical explanation for the results of the Michelson Morley experiment.
http://www.thevortextheory.com
Vortex theory, advanced by Thomson (Lord Kelvin) on the basis of investigation by Helmholtz, that the atoms are vortically moving ring-shaped masses (or masses of other forms having a similar internal motion) of a homogeneous, incompressible, frictionless fluid. Various properties of such atoms (vortex atoms) can be mathematically deduced.
(http://www.brainydictionary.com/words/vo/vortextheory238069.html)
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