How is time a function of the fabric of nature, and not perception only?
Asked by: Dude
Answer
The second law of thermodynamics makes time a player in the 'fabric' of nature. It says
that a closed system's entropy (disorder) will increase over time.
For a simple example, think about breaking a rack of billiard balls. The initial ordered
arrangement becomes a random mix of balls. A video of the event run in reverse would be
instantly recognizable, since a random distribution of balls will not spontaneously become
orderly.
Other everyday examples, like a drop of ink spreading through a glass of water,
the breaking of an egg, etc. clearly show an arrow of time moving in a specific direction
independent of human perception.
Answered by: Paul Walorski, B.A. Physics, Part-time Physics Instructor
'I beseech you to take interest in these sacred domains so expressively called laboratories. Ask that there be more and that they be adorned for these are the temples of the future, wealth and well-being. It is here that humanity will grow, strengthen and improve. Here, humanity will learn to read progress and individual harmony in the works of nature, while humanity's own works are all too often those of barbarism, fanaticism and destruction.'