Time LO21229

John Gunkler (jgunkler@sprintmail.com)
Thu, 8 Apr 1999 12:15:54 -0500

Replying to LO21031 --

I sympathize with Glen's confusion about time. As far as I know, everyone
is confused about the nature of time. We don't even have a good consensus
about what we mean by "time." Are we talking about time as a component of
physics or psychology? Even if we are talking about physical time, are we
talking about Newtonian time (constant, unchanging, relentless) or
relativistic time (stretchable, changeable, perhaps even reversible?)?

Glen asks:
>How can a measurement instrument that is used as a "standard" be
>non-linear?

While this looks like a sensible question, I propose that it is
nonsensical. We use "standards" that are non-linear in lots of places.
For example, our scale for loudness (decibels) is a logarithmic scale.
The Richter Scale for measuring the force of an earthquake is also
logarithmic (when you go from, say, a "5" to a "6" you are doubling the
force.) There are "standard curves" used by draftsmen and engineers based
on parabolas and hyperbolas (non-linear.) We use a standard for giving
students grades called "grading on a curve" that is certainly non-linear.
Etc., etc., etc.

I think people sometimes confuse "non-linear" with a concept one might
describe as "non-regular" (i.e., random or "not following a rule.") I
don't accuse Glen of doing this but I see this confusion everywhere.

Most non-linearities are very regular -- they can be described by
deterministic mathematical equations; one can say with certainty exactly
what value the trajectory will have at any given time (or any given input
value.) Even very complex non-linearities can be estimated to within any
chosen precision by computers or other methods.

So, in general, anything that is "regular" (or "rule based" or
"deterministic" or ??? -- sorry I don't have a better term right now) can
serve as a standard for measurement.

-- 

"John Gunkler" <jgunkler@sprintmail.com>

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