On the Different Aspects of Time in the Fundamental Theories of Physics

Abstract

Humans seem to be the only animals who know they have to die sometimes. Therefore, the concept of time is fundamental to us and we have to argue from the basis of our transitory existence. This fundamental is only partially represented in the different fundamental physical theories. Newtonian physics, special and general relativity, quantum theory and cosmology have different models for the evolution of a system in time. In no one of these theories alone the fundamental difference between future, now, and past is expressed. The transition from future possibilities to past facts happens at the so-called measuring process. A model is presented to explain this transition without reference to an observer, which is outside of physics, and also without reference to unobservable fictions like many universes. As a conclusion it becomes evident that the formulae in physics we have found by trial and error should not be believed in like a revelation. They have a wide range of applications but they do not reign from eternity to eternity—and not irrespective of the existence of time and space. On the other hand, it becomes evident that all aspects of our possible human time experiences are reflected in one way or another in some of the theoretical concepts of physics.