Problem of time

In theoretical physics, the problem of time is a conceptual conflict between general relativity and quantum mechanics in that quantum mechanics regards the flow of time as universal and absolute, whereas general relativity regards the flow of time as malleable and relative.[1][2] This problem raises the question of what time really is in a physical sense and whether it is truly a real, distinct phenomenon. It also involves the related question of why time seems to flow in a single direction, despite the fact that no known physical laws at the microscopic level seem to require a single direction.[3]

  1. ^ Isham, C. J. (1993), Ibort, L. A.; Rodríguez, M. A. (eds.), "Canonical Quantum Gravity and the Problem of Time", Integrable Systems, Quantum Groups, and Quantum Field Theories, NATO ASI Series, Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands, pp. 157–287, arXiv:gr-qc/9210011, doi:10.1007/978-94-011-1980-1_6, ISBN 978-94-011-1980-1, S2CID 116947742, retrieved 2021-01-04
  2. ^ Wolchover, Natalie (December 1, 2016). "Quantum Gravity's Time Problem". Quanta Magazine.
  3. ^ Folger, Tim (June 12, 2007). "Newsflash: Time May Not Exist". Discover.