In this discussion, physicist Sabina Hosenfelder talks about the physics of time and the idea that our perception of "now" is relative due to Einstein's theory of special relativity. She explains the concept of the block universe, where past, present, and future coexist. Hosenfelder also touches on the preservation of information in the universe, suggesting that our existence may transcend the passage of time, leading to a deep spiritual insight derived from the foundations of physics.
Sure, here are the key facts extracted from the provided text:
1. The speaker is Sabina Hosenfelder, a physicist and research fellow at the Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies.
2. Einstein's theory of special relativity challenges the concept of a universal "now" due to the finite speed of light.
3. The relativity of simultaneity means that different observers can have different perceptions of events occurring simultaneously.
4. Einstein's theory combines space and time into a common entity called spacetime, leading to the concept of the block universe where past, present, and future coexist.
5. The information that makes up individuals and everything in the universe may transcend the passage of time, suggesting a timeless aspect to existence.
Please note that these facts are extracted from the text without including opinions.