Abstract:
This paper explores a radical reinterpretation of motion and gravity, proposing that fundamental motion is intrinsically linked to changes in proper time experienced by particles. We hypothesize that the proper time of a particle is not merely a measure along its worldline, but a dynamic entity that propagates outwards, and that spacetime curvature arises as a cumulative effect of this propagating proper time from all matter. This framework aims to provide a potential mechanism for the profound interdependence captured by Wheeler's famous dictum: "Spacetime tells matter how to move; matter tells spacetime how to curve." Within this perspective, motion is redefined as a manifestation of differential proper time, and gravity emerges not as a force, but as the geometric consequence of proper time propagation, offering a potentially unified perspective on mass, gravity, motion, and the nature of time itself.
1. Introduction: Re-examining the Nature of Motion and Wheeler's Dictum
The standard framework of physics, while remarkably successful in describing and predicting motion, may lack a deeply satisfying explanation of what motion fundamentally is. Classical mechanics, special relativity, and general relativity provide precise mathematical tools to calculate trajectories and understand the influence of forces and gravity. However, the underlying essence of motion itself, particularly in the context of spacetime, remains a subject of ongoing inquiry. John Archibald Wheeler famously summarized the intimate relationship between spacetime and matter with the phrase: "Spacetime tells matter how to move; matter tells spacetime how to curve."
This paper proposes a speculative framework that challenges conventional understandings by suggesting that motion is fundamentally a change in proper time. We hypothesize that this change in proper time is not merely a consequence of motion but is, in fact, the very definition of motion in a relativistic spacetime. Furthermore, we explore the radical idea that the proper time of a particle is not a static property but a dynamic entity that propagates outwards, and that the cumulative effect of this propagating proper time is what we perceive as mass, spacetime curvature, and gravity. We aim to explore if the concept of "propagating proper time" can provide a deeper, more fundamental basis for understanding Wheeler's profound interdependence.
2. Motion as Change in Proper Time: A Redefinition
We propose a redefinition of motion, moving beyond the classical notion of spatial displacement over time. Instead, we suggest that motion, at its most fundamental level, is a manifestation of a change in proper time experienced by a particle relative to a chosen frame of reference.
Consider setting an object in motion. In our framework, this action is interpreted as fundamentally altering the object's proper time. The application of a force, such as when firing an arrow from a bow, is not merely imparting momentum or kinetic energy in a spatial sense, but is primarily changing the arrow's worldline in spacetime in such a way that its proper time, as measured by a stationary observer, is altered. The observed "motion" – the spatial displacement – is a consequence of this fundamental change in proper time.
This perspective implies a 1:1 equivalence: the degree of motion is directly reflected in the magnitude of the change in proper time. Inertia, then, becomes the tendency of a particle to maintain its current state of proper time flow until acted upon by an external influence that alters this state.
3. Propagating Proper Time and Spacetime Curvature: Gravity Emerges
We extend this concept to gravity by proposing that the proper time of a particle is not confined to its worldline, but actively propagates outwards into spacetime. We hypothesize that mass-energy acts as a source for this proper time propagation.
Imagine each particle as a source emitting or "propagating" its intrinsic time experience into the surrounding spacetime. As these "propagating proper times" from all matter in the universe interact and superpose, they create a cumulative effect. We propose that spacetime curvature is precisely this cumulative manifestation of propagating proper time.
In this view, curved spacetime is not merely an abstract geometric arena, but a tangible consequence of the dynamic propagation of time experience from all particles. Gravity, therefore, emerges not as a separate force, but as the geometric effect of this spacetime curvature, guiding the motion of particles along geodesics that are shaped by the collective "stacking" of these propagating proper times.
4. A Unified View of Mass, Gravity, Motion, and Time: Realizing Wheeler's Vision
This speculative framework offers a potentially unified view of several fundamental concepts, providing a possible realization of Wheeler's dictum:
Mass as Source of Proper Time Propagation: "Matter tells spacetime how to curve." Mass-energy becomes the fundamental source of proper time propagation, linking mass directly to the dynamic nature of time. Mass, in this view, is not just an inert quantity, but an active source that shapes spacetime through its influence on proper time.
Gravity as Spacetime Curvature Arising from Proper Time Propagation: "Spacetime tells matter how to move." Gravity is reinterpreted as the geometric consequence of the cumulative effect of propagating proper time, eliminating the need for a separate gravitational force. Spacetime curvature, in turn, dictates the geodesics along which particles move, thus "telling matter how to move."
Motion as Change in Proper Time: Motion is fundamentally redefined as a change in proper time, establishing a direct and intrinsic link between motion and time itself, consistent with the relativistic understanding of spacetime.
Time as Active and Foundational: Time, in the form of propagating proper time, becomes not just a passive dimension, but an active and foundational element of reality, from which spacetime and gravity emerge, providing a deeper basis for the interdependence described by Wheeler.
5. Challenges and Speculations
This framework, being highly speculative, faces numerous challenges and raises many open questions:
Lack of Mathematical Formalism: A major challenge is the absence of a rigorous mathematical formulation for "propagating proper time" and its relation to spacetime curvature. Developing such a formalism would be a monumental task.
Departure from Established Physics: This idea departs significantly from established paradigms in physics, requiring a fundamental rethinking of core concepts.
Empirical Verification: Direct empirical verification of these ideas in their current conceptual form is likely not immediately feasible. The framework would need to make testable predictions to be considered scientifically viable in the long term.
Nature of "Propagation": The mechanism and nature of "proper time propagation" need to be clarified. What is the medium of propagation? How does it interact and superpose?
6. Conclusion
This paper has presented a speculative framework that reimagines motion as fundamentally linked to changes in proper time, and proposes that spacetime curvature and gravity emerge from the dynamic propagation of proper time from all matter. This framework attempts to offer a potential underlying mechanism for the profound interdependence between spacetime and matter articulated by Wheeler's quote. While highly conceptual and facing significant challenges, this perspective offers a potentially unified and novel way to understand the deep interconnectedness of mass, gravity, motion, and the very nature of time. Further exploration of these radical ideas, even if only at a conceptual level, may offer new avenues for thinking about the fundamental structure of reality and the ongoing quest for a deeper understanding of the universe.
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