Abstract This paper examines how there are numerous debates on the topics surrounding timetravel theory and how most arguments about timetravel arise because of conflicting opinions in philosophical thought, regarding the mechanics of time and the constitution of 'logical possibility'. It looks at how classical timetravel theorists such as David Lewis have attempted to demonstrate the intricate logics of travelling in space-time and changing the past and how subsequently constructed theories as well as early perspectives of 'time' have not incurred a change in the position that timetravel is possible. The paper seeks to explore a few of the plethora of well-debated aspects of time and related timetravel theory.
Outline:
TimeTravel Paradoxes
The Question of Persistence
Presentism's Problems with Tme and TimeTravel Dynamism and Time Loops
Conclusion
From the Paper "Is it possible to travel back in time to kill one's evil grandfather? While Lewis (1976) does not rule out the possibility of travelling in time, the paradoxes involved in time travel lead to odd- but not impossible, outcomes. In Lewis's famous Grandfather Paradox, Tim uses a time travel machine to go back in time in order to murder his grandfather. Possible storylines are outlined; however, they all lead to the conclusion that despite all possible conceptions, no one can go back in time to change the past. Certainly, Tim cannot kill his grandfather simply because Tim exists. If he were successfully able to eliminate his grandfather, a paradox where he (Tim) both exists and does not exist, would result. Even if branching time were possible, Tim's grandfather would die in one branch, but survive in another branch in time. Thus, Lewis demonstrates that it is logically impossible to change the past. "
Abstract This paper discusses the concept of timetravel. The paper contends that timetravel is possible if it is defined as travel through time zones or on the basis of theories. The paper briefly outlines the theories of Albert Einstein and Kurt Godel regarding this concept. The paper claims that, theoretically speaking, timetravel is possible, and within certain limits, we have been able to employ technology to move us between time zones. Whether or not traveling through history is possible is another issue altogether. Its possibilities or impossibilities cannot be judged on the basis of our current technological capacities.
From the Paper "Time travel is an interesting concept that has inspired numerous science fiction novels, films and television serials. People are always imagining the opportunities that time travel, if ever successfully accomplished, could provide for them, whether financially or intellectually. Were we ever able to travel through time, we could visit ancient lands, collect a few artifacts and then travel back to our time and sell them or, if such travel was possible, we could go back in history and acquire a more accurate understanding of the past, for the sake of academic knowledge. The point is that the very idea of time travel, leads one to think of its numerous applications and positive outcomes. At the same time, few of us actually believe that time travel is possible or that it would ever exist anywhere except in science fiction books, movies and television serials. However, the fact of the matter is that time travel is not necessarily possible or impossible. Our consideration of it as possible or impossible ultimately depends upon our definition of time travel."
This essay discusses the theory of timetravel, using references ranging from the science-fiction to the reality of particle acceleration and modern research.
Abstract This paper explains that going back in time to visit historical times in real life may sound like the work of an H.G. Wells novel, but physicists are getting surprisingly closer to actually being able to travel in time, as demonstrated by the theory of relativity, light speed, paradox theories, and the work of modern scientists as they search for the secrets to the 4th dimension. The author points out that Dr. Stephen Hawking's theory and the recent discovery of black holes show the potential for an area where the laws of relativity may not exist. The paper relates that Dr. Ronald Mallett at the University of Connecticut has developed an idea that present-day people can communicate with the past by sending electrical particles through a spiral series of laser beams to accelerate them to the speed of light.
Table of Contents
Introduction
What Is TimeTravel?
The Fourth Dimension?
Time and Space
Theories Past and Present
What Is Matter?
Applicable Relativity Theory
We Cannot Get There from Here
Modern Research of TimeTravel Newton
Einstein
Stephen Hawking
Paradox Theories
TimeTravel Mutual Fund
Conclusion
From the Paper "The Theory of Relativity states that fundamentally our ideas of space and time. We must accept that time if not completely separate from and independent of space, but is combined with it to form an object called space-time. Newton developed laws of motion that until Einstein were not contested. Einstein expanded this law in his special theory of relativity, which states that mass increases as speed approaches the speed of light. We must remember that the more mass we have the larger that mass will become as light speed is reached. The speed of light and time space is closely related. It has been said that light speed is the key to time travel. At this time the theory of relativity limits our ability to move mass at the speed of light, but as I will explain, there are current theories that will allow moving electrical energy in the form of data back in time."
Abstract This paper compares timetravel in Ian Stewart's "Flatterland, Octavia Butler's Kindred, Michio Kaku's Hyperspace", and Kip Thorne's "Black Holes and Time Warps: Einstein's Outrageous Legacy".
Abstract Timetravel stories seem to have always been popular, perhaps because the format allows for so many possibilities that many people find intriguing. In this book, the author tells the story of graphic artist Simon Morley from 20th century New York City, who becomes part of a timetravel experiment and is transported back to a 19th century where he encounters the types of characters and events that serve to define and characterize the previous era. Morley's subsequent adventures in 19th century New York are replete with illustrations and detailed descriptions of everyday behaviors and ordinary items to help the modern reader visualize what life was like in the past. Unfortunately, Finney took over 400 pages to write a 200-page book and it shows. This paper provides a review and discussion of Jack Finney's "Time and Again," followed by a summary of the research in the conclusion.
From the Paper "At this point, any uncertain reader may be ready to throw in the towel and admit that maybe the book is well-written, well-paced and entertaining after all. However, a ray of reason appeared in the form of one reviewer who pointed out: "It's as if the author did not have enough imagination or did not do enough research to come up with an interesting and believable mode for the time travel event. Jack Finney did a horrible job of convincing the reader of the feasibility of time travel and thus took a bit away from the wow factor of the book." For his "wow factor," H. G. Wells had his Morlocks and Eloi in The Time Machine and Mark Twain had Merlin and magic in A Connecticutt Yankee in King Arthur's Court; by contrast, Finney has: "There lies what? New York? And the world beyond it? . . . Out there lies the day you walked through this morning; it is filled with the inescapable facts that make it today. It will be almost identical tomorrow, very likely, but not quite" (55). Yawn."
Abstract The paper analyzes "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants", written by Ann Brashares about four girls who have been close friends since they were small children. The paper describes how, for the first time in their lives, Tibby, Lena, Carmen, and Bridget are about to be separated from one another, managing to preserve their friendship because of a very special pair of jeans. The paper examines how, because each of these girls has different interests and personalities, their friendship depends upon accepting one another for who they are. The paper analyzes how acceptance is one of the most important themes in "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants", and Ann Brashares develops this theme through plot and characterization.
Abstract This paper reviews and discusses the book, 'Gulliver's Travels' by Jonathan Swift. The paper focuses primarily on the power of the words that make up this famous literary work. The paper takes a look at the common point between Gulliver's conversation with the various people he encounters during his travels, Swift's irony, and the book itself being considered a fairy tale for children and a bitter satire of the government of England and of humankind as a whole at the same time.
From the Paper "The power of words in Gulliver's Travels cannot be totally elucidated if one does not pay attention to the strength of Swift's own message, through the scrutiny of satire, irony, sarcasm and humour, all of them hiding the true meaning of words and indulging in plays on words of all kinds. We will see that the power of the writer's words is to have multiple meanings -that is to say, Swift's words convey different messages, and their real significance is often hidden beneath the plainness of the style. Our analysis will try to highlight that satire and irony, even if they have limits in their turn, can be seen as the ultimate power of words in Gulliver's Travels."
Abstract This is a creative/historical paper written. It contains a fictitious character that travels from down south to Philadelphia in 1752. Some of his stops along the way are actual events that took place during this year. The author uses a diary entry technique to allow the reader a glimpse of the fictious historical character, Richard Mulhew's, life.
From the Paper "Young Richard Mulhew was Benjamin Franklins next-door neighbor during his electricity experiments. Mulhew lived next to Franklin during his most famous electrical experiment at Philadelphia in 1752 when he flew a homemade kite during a thunderstorm and proved that lightning is electricity. Mulhew, although not talked about in most historical accounts, was often in the background helping Franklin complete many of his experiments. During one of Mulhews? many trips down south, he wrote an account of the events that took place during his journey home. One of these letters was preserved and finally published for everyone to read. The following excerpts are a few of the many days that Richard Mulhew documented in the letter."
Tags: 1752, ben, colonial, franklin, history, period, slaves, south
Abstract This paper compares the predictions of Marge Piercy in her book "Woman on the Edge of Time" to that of H.G. Wells in his novel "The TimeTraveler". Both authors share with the reader, their perception of what our future holds and how we will evolve.
From the Paper "On his second trip, the Time Traveller discovers an underground labor force, called the Morlocks, and likens it to the gap between the rich and poor in his own society, in which the wealthy live in large homes and the workers slave in factories and live in cramped quarters. However, in this world, the laborers have grown strong while the Eloi are now so weak that they have become prey for the Morlocks, thus the Eloi never venture out at night for fear of being captured.
Thus, this future world is a dystopia, and depicts what can happen if society does not stay alert to the consequences of progress. This is a commentary on both communism and capitalism, for although each has its positive points, but if left unchecked, either can become destructive."
Tags:time, travel, marlocks, Mattapoisett, utopian-dystopian, society
Abstract This paper examines the main hypothesis of whether increases in disposable income, cause an increase in domestic travel, and the sub-hypothesis of whether domestic travel is a normal or luxury good. The paper explains that the main aim is to determine the true nature of the relationship between disposable income and domestic travel. The paper further explores the effect of disposable income on domestic travel. In conclusion, the paper shows that a complete model of domestic travel entails looking at all determinants of travel as a supposed explanatory variable before the relationship between personal disposable income and domestic travel can be analyzed and this is necessary so that the relationship coefficients are unbiased.
Outline:
Literature Survey
Theory and Hypothesis: What is the Effect of Disposable Income on Domestic Travel
From the Paper "Research that has centered on domestic travel, began as early as the 1960's, especially in wake of the fact that in many developed countries citizens were spending excessively on travel. Empirical studies by Gray found that disposable income was a major determinant of travel. Gray's analysis was an econometric model that included explanatory variables such as the foreign exchange rate, fare payments abroad, and travel spending by local residents. Gray's work also included another element that was absent in other papers, that is, Gray found that the prices of goods and services while traveling were an important determinant of travel. This particular model is important to the testing of the relevant hypotheses since, it gives a clear picture as to what the complete model of domestic travel should entail as explanatory variables. It is therefore less likely to get a biased determinant if all the necessary independent variables are included in the model; Gray's research paper dictates what these variables should be."
Abstract This paper explains that both H.G. Wells' classic 1895 novel "The Time Machine" and the 1960 film version, directed by George Pal, focuses on what could happen if the war between the classes was allowed to develop and intensify with the consequences being the growth of human cruelty and the development of the human race into something inhuman, unsympathetic and overwhelmingly powerful. The author points out that George Pal's adaptation of "The Time Machine" centers on a plot line that is easily recognizable in the novel; the unnamed "TimeTraveller" in the novel (portrayed in the film by Rod Taylor, presumably as H.G. Wells himself) is a Victorian scientist who constructs a contraption with the capability of sending him into the far distant future, specifically to the year 802,701 A.D.. The paper suggests that the film version of "The Time Machine", despite its visual effects and superb acting, cannot be an improvement on the original novel, due to Wells' extraordinary ability to take the reader into the unknown without the advantage of pure visual imagery as provided by the cinema.
From the Paper "As a character, Weena represents the opposite of the horrible Morlocks, yet she also symbolizes the world of the future as a young girl without any knowledge of the past or any inclination to know what lies ahead in the future. In the novel and in the film, this device tells the reader and the viewer that the world of the far distant future will be made up of white and black, presumably good and evil, yet is also symbolizes the disparity between the social classes which was very evident in Great Britain when "The Time Machine" was first published in 1895."
Abstract This essay reviews the numerous ways that time, space, and change have affected the human existence. In discussing technology, this paper examines the ways in which communication technology, business technology, and technological changes in travel have changed/impacted the importance of time and space on humans. Through these technologies, time is increasingly becoming an irrelevant factor in human existence.
From the Paper "German philosopher Martin Heiddeger was primarily instrumental for his concern with what it means to exist: to be. In essence, Heiddeger's concern primarily related to the fact that humans come into the world and interact with it, as they have not made any contributions to the things that exist in nature or society, but use these things/objects. In addition, he states these objects "come to humanity from the past and are used in the present for the sake of future goals"."
Abstract This paper examines the differences between two travel essays - "A Vocabulary for My Senses" by Timothy Bascom and "By the Big Sea Water" by William Least Heat-Moon. The writer explains that in the essay "By the Big Sea Water" Heat-Moon makes it alive, interesting and emotional because of the connections he sets up with the memories and feelings of a little boy. The writer further explains that the travel story told by Timothy Bascom in "A Vocabulary for My Senses" is very different. The writer notes how (in this essay) memories on their own would be interesting, as the physical details are rich and exotic, and vividly remembered, but the emotional side is also very rich, and makes the "travel story" that much more memorable and interesting. The writer then describes a personal travel experience and its lasting impression and effects on the writer.
From the Paper "In "By the Big Sea Water," William Least Heat-Moon writes a wonderful story that is part travel story, part nostalgia trip. He brilliantly evokes the nostalgia of a boy traveling with his father, seeing Lake Superior from this perspective. Obviously a lot of the importance of this trip for the boy was connected to the fact that he was with his father. This is clear from the fact that the father is physically present for us. For example, the little boy remembers his father in the wobbly cafe of long ago."
Abstract The paper discusses how H.G. Wells' "The Time Machine" is more interesting for its social and intellectual commentary than the idea of timetravel in science fiction. The paper describes the Eloi, the peaceful, degenerate people of the future England and shows how Wells conveys his objections to the main ideas of socialism and Utopianism. The paper also explains Wells' belief that instead of creating that perfect society without class conflicts, it is better to work to correct the injustices of capitalism and the large gaps between classes.
Outline:
Introduction
The Block Theory and Time Wells's Rejection of Utopian Ideas
Concluding Remarks
From the Paper "Herbert George Wells (1866-1946) remains famous for his great novella, The Time Machine, often mentioned as an important work of science fiction for how it inspired other efforts of science fiction. People may remember this novella for its idea of time travel that Wells was the first to employ in fiction, a story appearing in serial form in New Review in 1894 and 1895, then published in book form by Heinemann in London in 1895. However, The Time Machine seems more important for its indication of what Wells saw in several ideas of his day, beyond matters of science fiction and the Block theory of the universe on which the idea of traveling forwards in time implies. If studying a little of the late 19th century in Britain and the ideals debated by the educated classes, one reads The Time Machine with an appreciation of much that the author believed was incorrect about then important ideas of socialism."
