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What is Time?
Dominic Arkwright |
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THE SCIENCE OF TIME
Time / t卯m / noun.
System of distinguishing events, a dimension that enables two identical events occuring at the same point in space to be distinguished. Measured by the interval between the events.
THE DIMENSION OF TIME.
An object such as a table has three dimensions; length, width and depth. Time is also classified as a 'dimension'. In fact, it is often referred to as the fourth dimension called 'space-time', this is because time cannot be separated from space.
Time was traditionally measured by the rotation of planetary bodies around stars. It takes a day for the Earth to spin 360º, and a year to orbit around the Sun. However the 'time' these journeys can take, may vary slightly from year to year. Thus time is not constant, and the absolute definition of time has caused great debate amongst mathematicians. In 1905 the physicist Albert Einstein came the closest to describing the phenomena of relativity and time, when he composed the equation:
E = mc2
The tools used to measure time have changed. Sundials and water jugs have been replaced by more accurate computers and atomic clocks. Timekeeping can seem like an obsession for some. Waiting for more than five minutes in a traffic jam, or being held in a phone queuing system can drive certain highly strung people into an early grave.
But there are other times when time just drags on and on. A boring task can seem to last for days, and time drags even more slowly when clock watching at the end of a long day at work! Some experts such as Professor Alex Gardner, a psychologist from Glasgow describes time as two parallel tracks.
*'Physical time' - universally accepted as the constant intervals we regard as time.
*'Emotional time', which often appears to be irregular. This is a timescale that runs in conjuntion with physical time.
Western societies refer to the 24 hour clock to organise their day. However in some cultures time is not clearly defined into hours, minutes and seconds. Instead of 'physical time', events in some individuals' lives are described in a more biblical sense; such as after the "great flood" or 'during the long famine.' These cultures found in regions of Africa and Asia have an existence where the clock does not dictate the pace of life. In fact 'age' as a concept might not even exist. Dr Hugh Montgomery a consultant from University College Hospital, believes this may change an individuals' perception of life and death.
TIME SAVING
Western society has been driven by change and speed. The industrial revolution has changed our lives remarkably -- and was directly linked to the increasing importance of time, and accuracy of measurement. As communities and countries began to trade and communicate it became important to calibrate time. This was possible with the advent of the telegraph pole.
Technology has enabled tasks to be completed more quickly - supposedly leaving time for leisure. Although this can often mean more time for... more work! Some experts argue that instead of liberating society, technology has caused an increased in workload, leading to more stress.
Our obsession with time means we are trying to shave seconds off journeys. We want to buy ready-made food, wear iron-free clothes and travel at supersonic speeds. But by 'banking' those extra seconds or minutes--are we really using this time beneficially or are we just adding more stress to our lives?
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Albert Einstein came the closest to describing time. |
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Should we measure our life in minutes and seconds?
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Does our obsession with shaving seconds off journeys ultimately lead to more stress?
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