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-   -   [Science] Time travel? Changing events? (http://forums.filefront.com/pub/401678-time-travel-changing-events.html)

Afterburner June 21st, 2009 04:48 PM

Re: Time travel? Changing events?
 
I don't mean we'd ever be able to do it, I just pointing out that there is only one way for events to unfold, which makes them inherently predictable, if you could get past the uncertainty principle (and you don't have to tell me you can't.)

Though that reminds me of a funny joke we'd always make about one of our robotics mentors. We joked he followed Heisenberg's uncertainty principle because we never knew both where he was and what he was doing at the same time.

Anlushac11 June 21st, 2009 05:00 PM

Re: Time travel? Changing events?
 
But we built a Heisenberg Compensator. :D

NiteStryker June 21st, 2009 05:02 PM

Re: Time travel? Changing events?
 
Go back in time and spray a can of raid on the first microbes.

See wtf happens...

Showd0wN June 21st, 2009 05:43 PM

Re: Time travel? Changing events?
 
Quote:

I just pointing out that there is only one way for events to unfold
Well actually this is untrue as well; and is well demonstrated within Quantum Field Theory.

Afterburner June 21st, 2009 05:53 PM

Re: Time travel? Changing events?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by clan.necrosect (Post 4927164)
Well actually this is untrue as well; and is well demonstrated within Quantum Field Theory.

We don't all have time to study advanced physics so could you explain as simply as possible?

Showd0wN June 21st, 2009 06:01 PM

Re: Time travel? Changing events?
 
Ok basically there is a degree of randomness to all events. The idea that things behave "linearly" or predictably is actually untrue.

In fact you don't need to go as advaned as QFT, so I'm sorry I did.

The simplest example is what is known as the "three body problem".
Basically if you have a "2 body" problem (i.e. an interaction between 2 discrete bodies) the result can be calculated exactly.
However, for 3 bodies and beyond one has to use a perturbative approach and you are left with a "remaining degree of freedom" whereby some of the outcomes of the interaction are not well defined and could take a range of values. So here we see an actual "uncertainty" inherent even in Newtonian physics.

Sorry for the short and useless post earlier.

Nemmerle June 21st, 2009 06:09 PM

Re: Time travel? Changing events?
 
Just because we can't predict it doesn't mean it's random. If I see a light dancing about my wall apparently at random I'm not going to just assume it's random because I can't come up with a formula that explains it, I'm going to make damn sure there's not some little shit with a flashlight lurking outside my window.

Showd0wN June 21st, 2009 06:14 PM

Re: Time travel? Changing events?
 
Thanks for actually going to read about 3 body problems rather than just completely disagreeing with me for no reason what-so-ever.

Nice. Also your anology missed the point entirely.

A remaining degree of freedom DEFINES variation/randomness in both local and global systems.

NiteStryker June 21st, 2009 06:31 PM

Re: Time travel? Changing events?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Nemmerle (Post 4927199)
I'm going to make damn sure there's not some little shit with a flashlight lurking outside my window.

How many times has that actually happened?

Anlushac11 June 22nd, 2009 07:30 AM

Re: Time travel? Changing events?
 
And what if the light is still there and there is no little shit with a flashlight.


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