The Future of the Impossible: The Physics and Ethics of Time Travel

Introduction:

Why and How the Physics and Ethics of Time Travel are Interrelated

It is difficult to say today what will remain impossible tomorrow. The time has come to put our prejudices behind us and embrace the possibilities that lie ahead. The scientific community is slowly embracing time travel, as what used to be exclusively within the arena of science fiction becomes a force within the scientific community.

According to Theoretical Physics Professor Kip Thorne of California Technical University, it is reasonable to assume that an arbitrarily advanced civilization could have the capacity to travel through time. His ideas on time travel have evolved from his work on wormhole travel, which theoretically allows both backward and forward movement along a timeline.

Wormhole travel is the only form of time travel that allows for movement both ways along the timeline. There are, however, other methods of time travel that proffer one-way journeys along a timeline. Here we will examine each of the methods of time travel, starting with those allowed by relativity theory and following with those anticipated by quantum theory. We will then examine the ethical implications of each.

To examine the ethical implications of the practical applications of time travel, it is first essential to understand the ways it may be possible to travel along a timeline. To do this, it is vital to understand both classical and quantum physics*. Classical physics examines ways to time travel based on the special and general theories of relativity. Quantum physics, as it relates to time travel, revolves around black holes, wormholes, and a substance called quantum foam.

Albert Einstein’s relativity theories indicate that time is not constant, but relative. This thesis will begin by viewing time through the lens of relativity. From this perspective, one can see the glimmer of time travel possibilities. Key theories include warp-drive, hyperdrive, Jupiter travel, the use of velocity, cosmic strings, and the implications of Gödel’s universe, or a cylindrical universe.

Quantum theory postulates time travel theories. An important hypothesis described by quantum theory is travel via black holes. Other theories examined are wormholes, dimensional travel, and travel to alternate universes.

Chaos theory will be the binding agent between the physics and the ethics of time travel. The Butterfly Effect is the perfect agent for this, as it is both a scientifically proven theory and an ethically applicable method of determining the effects of actions. It is a key factor in understanding the physical effects of time travel on both the timeline and the universe.

This book will show that most forms of time travel are ethically sound. Time travel is no more harmful than any other means of travel. Once this level of safety is determined, this book evaluates individual cases and paradoxes. Evaluative factors measure according to their individual propensity to allow a traveler to invoke harm or inhibit the free will of another.

* According to some, any theory that does not use quantum mechanics can be considered classical.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1: Relativity

Chapter 2: Quantum Theory

Chapter 3: Chaos Theory

Chapter 4: Ethics and Paradoxes

Epilogue/Conclusion

Bibliography

About the Author

Chapter 1: Relativity Special and the General Theories of Relativity

As They Relate to Time Travel

Relativity theory is the backbone of many time travel scenarios. There are two theories of relativity, called the special and the general theories of relativity. Albert Einstein published his special theory in 1905 and the general theory in 1916.

Einstein’s first theory is the special theory of relativity. It governs the physical relativity of all uniform motion (Einstein n.d., 59). This states that, assuming k is a Galilean reference body, If relative to k, k 1 is a uniformly moving co-ordinate system devoid of rotation, then natural phenomena run their course with respect to k 1 according to exactly the same general laws as with respect to k(Einstein n.d., 18).

Einstein used this theory as an expression of the natural law of the physical world. As long as there are constant velocity and direction of a mass while at the same time being devoid of rotation, the special theory of relativity explains how a traveling object moving uniformly and relatively to another object will obey the same laws of physics with respect to any other mass relative to it. The special theory of relativity is only assumed to be valid for objects in a state of uniform rectilinear and non-rotary motion with respect to k"(Einstein n.d., 61) where k is a Galilean reference-body.

In lay terms, the special theory works only under certain specific conditions. These special circumstances are such that at least two bodies with mass, called reference bodies, must exist. Both bodies