Discover
/
Article

Classical and quantum framing of the Now

SEP 01, 2014
Berge Tatian

The trouble David Mermin is having with the concept of Now is similar to the problem that Plato, Aristotle, and Martin Heidegger had with the concept of being. Both have no meaning when considered as individual points; they are continuous entities and can only be understood as such. Heidegger pointed out that for most people, being and Now are self-evident. Apparently, it’s only physicists and philosophers who are embarrassed by their lack of understanding of such obvious concepts. According to Ockham’s razor, the simplest explanation is usually the best one. And Albert Einstein, who venerated simplicity, once said that the only reason time exists is “so that everything doesn’t happen all at once.” That statement may seem facetious, but it is a corollary of his equating of space and time.

More about the authors

Berge Tatian, (btatian@verizon.net) Stoneham, Massachusetts.

Related content
/
Article
/
Article
/
Article
/
Article
This Content Appeared In
pt-cover_2014_09.jpeg

Volume 67, Number 9

Get PT in your inbox

pt_newsletter_card_blue.png
PT The Week in Physics

A collection of PT's content from the previous week delivered every Monday.

pt_newsletter_card_darkblue.png
PT New Issue Alert

Be notified about the new issue with links to highlights and the full TOC.

pt_newsletter_card_pink.png
PT Webinars & White Papers

The latest webinars, white papers and other informational resources.

By signing up you agree to allow AIP to send you email newsletters. You further agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.