A Simple Understanding of Nothing

A SIMPLE UNDERSTANDING OF NOTHING

© 29 April 2015 by J Palmer

Updated 25 April 2016 & 11 August 2018 “Corollary”

Introduction

 This is an idea about something that does not exist.

It is generally accepted that the arrow of time moves forward and in one direction only.

If however time can be shown to not exist at all in certain situations, for example at the point prior to the formation of the universe, or alternatively at the quantum level, a whole new concept emerges.  That is a “point” where time neither moves forwards nor backwards, a ‘situation” where there is no time and without time no space.

For the purposes of explanation, the concept of infinity has been artificially looked at in terms of infinity, nothingness and reality.  It is considered that a definition for infinity may in turn include infinity because of its limitless nature.  That is “infinity” is not a number, but rather a concept that reflects “limitlessness” with very few if any restrictions. 

Prior to the point when the universe came into existence

The theory of general relativity predicts that the stronger the gravitational influence, the slower the movement in time.

Taking this idea to the point of singularity when the universe first came into existence, the density of matter for the whole universe would have been massively concentrated into a space less than a pin point, and presumably if the theory of relativity stands under these circumstances, time would have been at a near standstill.

However, “prior” to the singularity before the universe came into existence it is arguable that this situation would have to be even more extreme.  That is a situation without space/time and;

(i)   of infinite mass, density and gravity ; or alternatively

(ii)  mass and time has disintegrated into something unknown within our universal parameters.

This paper refers to the above situations as a “nothingness”.

Although the established argument is that the theory of general relativity does not apply at the scale of the singularity, it is hypothesized here that it may be possible to extrapolate the principles to a spaceless and timeless circumstance.

That is a “nothingness” where volume, mass, gravity and time have no meaning.  The suggestion being that the universe (or universes) materialised in some manner from this circumstance.  This is particularly thought provoking because without time there can be no beginning nor end.

Knowing that there is a reality (our universe) and considering this with the hypothesis that there is a “nothingness”, then a plausible process for reality's existence suggests a coalescing of states between infinity, nothingness and reality. 

An anomalous situation arises when trying to imagine a reality with time and a “nothingness” without time.  As “nothingness” is without time, it is outside the realm of reality and temporal terms such as beginning or end, or occurring before during or after the universe’s existence, are without meaning.  From either the perspective of reality or“nothingness” the other has no existence and from reality’s perspective, may only be extrapolated.  In these circumstances it could be argued that the universe can only exist from within itself. 

Beyond the Quantum Level*

Further to the situation described previously where “nothingness” is a state external to the universe, there is a current hypothesis suggesting that at or near the quantum level time may not only move forward for certain ‘particle movements”, but may also move backwards.  If this situation exists, it is then arguable that on a theoretical temporal scale with both forward and backwards moving time, there would be a point where time neither moves backwards nor forwards and might hypothetically be zero or neutral.

This neutral temporal situation without movement either in the forward or backwards direction, would be arguably the same as the state without time or volume as described in the preceding paragraph, which exists “outside” the universe.

If these without time situations exist and in some manner underlie the universe “beyond the quantum level”, it suggests reality is something quite divergent to that which is currently envisaged within the classical physical laws and models.

This throws out the challenge as to what constitutes our universe and the manner in which it really functions. 

*Updated 25 April 2016 & 11 August 2018                                        Quantum entanglement shows that two entangled particles separated by long distances (space/time) can instantly affect the other when unentangled.  In my view this situation suggests that at the quantum level, the space time continuum breaks down and the concept of "nothingness" is the influence allowing quantum size particles to instantaneously affect the other.  Further, quantum sized particles (present, past and future) would touch upon "nothingness" in some manner and by so doing the past, present and future would be inextricably linked. (It is accepted that the past and present will affect the future, but in this situation would it allow the future to provide feedback to the present and past?)  Similarly, spatial interrelationships on a universal scale would also be linked.  If such affinities exist, this would have a direct bearing on the four known universal forces. (i.e. gravitational, weak nuclear, electromagnetic, and strong nuclear.) 

Reality, Nothingness and Infinity

As already stated in the introduction, for the purposes of explanation the concept of infinity has been artificially considered in terms of infinity, nothingness and reality. 

Reality may be considered as a situation that exists or happens, however this situation is tempered by our awareness which in turn is limited by our physical senses, technical enhancements and perceptions.

The concept of “nothingness” on the other hand, being without space nor time is outside any reference terms applicable to this universe, has no beginning nor end and literally is timeless.  The universal laws would have no applicability as they all in some manner incorporate a temporal element.  “Nothingness” is a situation which is both outside the universe and permeates the universe at the quantum level, however is not of this universe or any "real" universe that has physical (temporal) laws.

With the concept of “nothingness” being so diametrically opposed to reality, then it is necessary to explore the possibility of some other influence(s) giving coherence to these states.  That is the way is opened up to consider the possibility for some manner of infinite integration between “nothingness” and infinity to give a reflective balance for and to reality.  Reality might even be considered to be some pale projection for infinity. 

Reality and Time

The Oxford Dictionary defines time as; “the indefinite continued progress of existence and events of the past, present and future regarded as a whole”, “a travel through space and time”. 

An issue then arises as to how time/space (universal reality) and the inherent changes associated with time can coexist with a timeless “nothingness”.  One possibility for this anomalous coexistence of states, is that there is some form of infinitesimally short fluctuations existing, which allows a balance between reality and “nothingness”, thereby resulting in time’s directional movement through space.

That is reality's existence may result through an infinite number of these infinitesimally short projections, which are given substance only when these reflections accommodate the specific laws required to form the universe(s).  Reality may be then no more than an infinite "non dimensional chain" of  projections (time instances) governed by the physical laws. 

At any point in this infinite series, there would be an infinite number of projections (time instances) that do meet the universe’s criteria (physical laws) giving an infinite number of alternative courses and universes, similar to the branches spreading out from a tree.  As well there would be an infinite number of projections which don’t meet the physical laws required for the universe’s existence, but may or may not be relevant to other sequences (universes) and realities.

Time in reality may therefore be no more than a perception of change which occurs as a result of these limitless fluctuations which flow throughout the life of the universe.

The physical laws as we have come to understand may be no more than threads to the actual ties which allow the universe (or alternatives) to form and exist.

Note: This paper is no more than a set of hypotheses with the intent of provoking thought.

“in obiter”

With minimal relevance to this paper I would like to refer to the concept of reincarnation.  

If the essence of life and individuality is awareness and appreciation, then in whatever manner this appreciation extends itself, then life and the individual’s existence in mind is perpetuated.

I have included a small verse which reflects my feelings.

…time time time again

          the riddle is simple time is so clear

         

          life is the question

the answer so near

          that (changes) which you sense

makes you aware

          that which you feel  makes time and life real

          without beginning nor end

          this is a story of time

…time time time again