NationStates Jolt Archive


How many dimensions are there?

Bodhis
08-07-2006, 09:42
http://www.tenthdimension.com/flash.php

This guy says there are ten and presents a convincing argument. I knew that there were at least seven and understood about those seven, but I never had eight, nine, and ten explained to me so well as the link has explained it to me. Some people have told me there are an infinite amount of dimensions, while someone told me it was impossible to have more than seven. I was just wondering what people here think. I am convinced there are more than seven, but I don't know if we should stop at ten or if it's more complex than what the guy teaches in the link.
Turquoise Days
08-07-2006, 09:55
Last I heard, the count was at 11.

I suspect 3.5, however.
Tech-gnosis
08-07-2006, 09:57
There aren't any dimensions.
Bodhis
08-07-2006, 09:58
How did you both come to your conclusions?
Posi
08-07-2006, 10:01
http://www.tenthdimension.com/flash.php

This guy says there are ten and presents a convincing argument. I knew that there were at least seven and understood about those seven, but I never had eight, nine, and ten explained to me so well as the link has explained it to me. Some people have told me there are an infinite amount of dimensions, while someone told me it was impossible to have more than seven. I was just wondering what people here think. I am convinced there are more than seven, but I don't know if we should stop at ten or if it's more complex than what the guy teaches in the link.
That is a well done site.
Turquoise Days
08-07-2006, 10:01
How did you both come to your conclusions?
Erm, New Scientist...

and that scientific technique known as 'posting the first number that comes into your head', respectively.
Tech-gnosis
08-07-2006, 10:01
How did you both come to your conclusions?

Its if you combine quantum physics, M-theory, the Kabbalah, chaos theory, the bible code, and the anthropic principal.
Cromotar
08-07-2006, 10:02
42.
New Burmesia
08-07-2006, 10:29
Eleven, since I subscribe to M-Theory.
BogMarsh
08-07-2006, 10:30
Myrth!
Philosopy
08-07-2006, 10:33
11 was the last figure I heard.

Don't understand a bloody word of it, though.
The Sikth
08-07-2006, 11:07
I'm htinking more than ten.

After watching the thing on http://www.tenthdimension.com/flash2.php I thought about it for a while, then decided it made some very good and valid points.

However, it only explores dimensions in terms of things that we as human can measure - I'm guessing that there will be other things to measure by other than time, space and possibility. Because we can't conceive of it it's impossible for us to answer the question "What else is there to measure by?" so a nice little paradox occurs in the fact that we can't conceive of it, but if it's inconceivable, how can it exist? (Well, not really a paradox, but you get what I mean)

So, I'm going with more than ten, and I'm betting that there are more like 20 or 30 dimensions.
Balrogga
08-07-2006, 11:11
Actually you are making a common mistake many people also make. It is because the term “Dimension” has been used by many Science Fiction writers over the years to describe any “other” place other than ours.

First, there are many metaphysical planes of existence. These would be any version of Heaven, Hell, Nirvana (not the group), or other place commonly designated by many cultures as their possible afterlife. Their numbers are only limited by our Beliefs.

Then there are all those alternate timelines where any decision would create a new one. The easiest way to show what I mean is to point you in the direction of the television show “Sliders”. They explored many different worlds where Uncle Ben was born an aunt, the dinosaurs didn’t die off, Hitler won WWII, humans delivered children like Seahorses (male carried them), ect…

Now, the answer as I know it.

I read that a Superstring is theorized to vibrate in ten and sixteen dimensions simultaneously. That means there would have to be at least 26 for a Superstring to exist.

I saw the same website earlier this week and perhaps we can only explain ten of them with our consciousness. Just because we can’t explain more doesn’t mean they don’t exist.


IC’ly, my nation differentiates between timelines and dimensions as what separates them from ours.

If the “dimension” in question is based upon an event (Julius Cesar was born Julie and ended up marrying a senator, the Egyptian Gods returned, the moon was inhabited and decided to take the astronauts captive, Star Trek/Star Wars is real, ect…) then it is an alternate timeline.

If it is based upon a change in the fundamental basics of the “dimension” (a universe where E=MC3, or the electron shell’s charge is difference so the charge of the subatomic particles repel instead of attract, matter cannot exist, ect…) then I would consider it an alternate dimension


EDIT:

When I started typing this reply, nobody else replied yet.
Bodhis
08-07-2006, 11:19
Thank you both, The Sikth and Balrogga, you have given me a lot to think about. I used to think about this a lot in high school, but I have started thinking about it again as of late (because of a dream I had). Then, I came across the site I posted and figured someone here would have something to say about this topic.

I have seen a show on PBS about string theory and it seems to make some sense. I will have to look into it more. I also need to explore other theories. I just need to find sources that would make it easy for a Sociologist to understand. :p
Balrogga
08-07-2006, 11:32
I suggest reading some books by Michio Kaku. He is easy to understand even though he talking about Sting Theory, M Theory, Quantum Theory, Gravity, Negative Energy, the Big Bang, and many other difficult to understand subjects.

Here is his web site:

http://www.mkaku.org/

I think I own four of his books. I can't count from here at work so I will have to guess.
Mythotic Kelkia
08-07-2006, 11:38
the whole m-theory 11D thing kinda makes the most sense to me. Even though I assume it's already way out of date/unfashionable.
CthulhuFhtagn
08-07-2006, 11:39
Scientifically, it'd be 4 with the current view, or 11 if brane theory is correct.
New Mitanni
08-07-2006, 16:23
I suggest reading some books by Michio Kaku. He is easy to understand even though he talking about Sting Theory, M Theory, Quantum Theory, Gravity, Negative Energy, the Big Bang, and many other difficult to understand subjects.

Here is his web site:

http://www.mkaku.org/

I think I own four of his books. I can't count from here at work so I will have to guess.

Kaku's book Hyperspace was very good. Another good reference that I've just finished reading is Warped Passages by Lisa Randall. It's pretty up to date (published 2005). She was the first tenured woman theoretical physicist at MIT and Harvard, and her work has been heavily cited over the past several years. And she's good-looking too :D
Isiseye
08-07-2006, 16:26
Many, I have a machine that travels to each one road (dimension) trip anyone? 1st response gets shotgun?
Keruvalia
08-07-2006, 16:44
String Theory is sooooo 90s.
Dakini
08-07-2006, 16:46
When the LHC starts up we'll have a better idea of how many dimensions there are.
Bodhis
09-07-2006, 05:31
What is the LHC?
Balrogga
09-07-2006, 05:38
The Large Hadron Collider

Here is the website if you want more info:

http://lhc.web.cern.ch/lhc/
Congressional Dimwits
09-07-2006, 05:39
There are four known dementions, but, If I'm correct, those who beleive in String Theory say there eleven. Someone earlier, though, said they knew of seven. What are those seven?
Dhurkdhurkastan
09-07-2006, 05:40
there is 78.4 exactly, because I say so
Congressional Dimwits
09-07-2006, 05:42
Fine! In that case I deem that Spain is purple.
Galloism
09-07-2006, 05:42
there is 78.4 exactly, because I say so

I want to go to the fractional dimension. That thought tantalizes me.
Congressional Dimwits
09-07-2006, 05:46
...I knew that there were at least seven and understood about those seven, but I never...

If there are seven (or even more for that matter), then what are they?!?

(eg. The first four are length, depth, hight, and time. What are the rest?!?)
Dhurkdhurkastan
09-07-2006, 05:46
I want to go to the fractional dimension. That thought tantalizes me.

yeah, don't we all?
Oxymoon
09-07-2006, 05:48
http://www.tenthdimension.com/flash.php

This guy says there are ten and presents a convincing argument. I knew that there were at least seven and understood about those seven, but I never had eight, nine, and ten explained to me so well as the link has explained it to me. Some people have told me there are an infinite amount of dimensions, while someone told me it was impossible to have more than seven. I was just wondering what people here think. I am convinced there are more than seven, but I don't know if we should stop at ten or if it's more complex than what the guy teaches in the link.

That makes no sense. Anyway, I'm going to figure it out once I've finished listing them. People throw in what they think needs to be in my list!
1) Length
2) Width/depth
3) Height
4) Time
5) Thought
Will be back with more, if there are more in my opinion. In the meantime, add on dimensions for me, people!
Congressional Dimwits
09-07-2006, 05:51
5) Thought


How is thought supposed to be a dimension?
Bodhis
09-07-2006, 05:52
If there are seven (or even more for that matter), then what are they?!?

(eg. The first four are length, depth, hight, and time. What are the rest?!?)

Check out the link I posted for more information.

I was told by Christians who were into Physics that the fifth dimension is judgement/purgatory, sixth dimension is Hell and the seventh is Heaven. I really don't buy into this, however.

I knew there was seven because I combined the dimensions in the video into seven. However, it makes more sense to break them up into ten. I can imagine there are more.

Thanks for the link, Balrogga.
Dhurkdhurkastan
09-07-2006, 05:52
That makes no sense. Anyway, I'm going to figure it out once I've finished listing them. People throw in what they think needs to be in my list!
1) Length
2) Width
3) Height
4) Time
5) Thought
Will be back with more, if there are more in my opinion. In the meantime, add on dimensions for me, people!

6) sexiness
7) coolness
8) speed
9) hunger

i helped
Neo Undelia
09-07-2006, 06:02
Three.
Figure out how to actually manipulate any more and maybe I'll care.
Barbaric Tribes
09-07-2006, 06:12
Whoa, this is crazy shit, that movie kicked ass too. Now we just have to figure out how to harness this power and exploit it, perhaps make a weapon out of it!
Iztatepopotla
09-07-2006, 06:18
5) Thought
Will be back with more, if there are more in my opinion. In the meantime, add on dimensions for me, people!
Thought? In your opinion?

Okay, I'd like to add feet fungus to the list of dimensions.
Rhaomi
09-07-2006, 06:28
What an amazingly elegant explanation. The entire 10th dimensional multiverse, all reduced to a short series of points, lines, and folds. And, in the end, all possible reality bound to a single 10th dimensional point. Beautiful.

In light of that, well... enlightenment... I feel slightly foolish wading back in to all the political argument and discussion on the rest of the board. Oh, well...
Curious Inquiry
09-07-2006, 07:02
Mathematically, the question becomes "How many do you need?"
A couple people have mentioned fractional dimensions, (3.5, 78.4) and this is interesting because there is a legitimate mathematical interprtation of fractional dimensions. "Fractals" were very popular in the 90s, mostly because of the pretty computer-generated pictures associated with them. Many natural objects appear to resemble fractals, implying a possible fractional dimension to reality. It would be fun, although unlikely, if the universe were in fact pi-dimensional.
As far as the alternate universes theory, where every event spawns a different universe, based on a different outcome: although entertaining to speculate upon, there is currnetly no empirical evidence to suggest that this is the case (none against, either). The same is true of metaphysical "dimensions": no empirical evidence one way or the other (I'm showing my personal bias using the " ", since I consider most metaphysics to be poppycock. I could, of course, be wrong).
Nice to see a thread about something I'm truly interested in for a change!
Oxymoon
09-07-2006, 07:34
Thought? In your opinion?

Okay, I'd like to add feet fungus to the list of dimensions.

But thought is a dimension, similar to how time is. You can go places without moving. You can affect things without moving (yet - and some would argue at all, but that's a different discussion). You can see all sorts of possible futures without moving. So, it qualifies.

:rolleyes: I'm being serious.
Iztatepopotla
09-07-2006, 07:42
But thought is a dimension, similar to how time is. You can go places without moving. You can affect things without moving (yet - and some would argue at all, but that's a different discussion). You can see all sorts of possible futures without moving. So, it qualifies.

Perhaps, but you can't place things in thought like a dimension is supposed to do, i.e. you can't create a system of coordinates for thought. What you are describing is moving through dimensions with thought, like you would in a car, but a car is not a dimension.
Kinda Sensible people
09-07-2006, 07:43
That was a great deal of fun to watch, and certainly made a difficult concept easy to understand. Thanks.
Congressional Dimwits
09-07-2006, 07:55
But thought is a dimension, similar to how time is. You can go places without moving. You can affect things without moving (yet - and some would argue at all, but that's a different discussion). You can see all sorts of possible futures without moving. So, it qualifies.

:rolleyes: I'm being serious.

Everything is pandimensional, so an object must occupy a space in all dimensions to merely exist. No brick can occupy a space in thought. No hydrogen hydroxide molecule can occupy a space in thought. No president can occupy a space in thought either. (Sorry about that one; couldn't resist.) Essentially, thought, I'm sorry to say, is not a dimension.
Marvelland
09-07-2006, 08:06
I would still say 4. It's not only that String Theory has come up with virtually any number in the last couple of decades, so the 11 dimensions of M-Theory could still be a temporary settlement, but I still consider physics an experimental science.

The neat mathematical traits of String Theory (theories?) aren't worth a buck if they cannot make verifiable predictions, and these are confirmed by experiments. And there is currently no real evidence of ST that I am aware of. One should always be cautious about theories explaining phenomena ex-post. Tholomeus build a nice model of the Solar System which was mathematically sophisticated over time, and explained all facts known by that time. However, it postulated unnecessary complexity, and it eventually broke down.
New dimensions are no small price to pay to mathematical elegance, nor small outrage to good old Occam's razor. Let's wait and see.
Anglachel and Anguirel
09-07-2006, 08:09
Three.
Figure out how to actually manipulate any more and maybe I'll care.
Well, you can manipulate Time by changing your speed.

Current string theory says there are about eleven dimensions, including time.
The Lone Alliance
09-07-2006, 08:22
That makes no sense. Anyway, I'm going to figure it out once I've finished listing them. People throw in what they think needs to be in my list!
1) Length
2) Width/depth
3) Height
4) Time
5) Thought
Will be back with more, if there are more in my opinion. In the meantime, add on dimensions for me, people!

1. ______

2.
_______
| ........|
|.........|
_______

3.
..____
./___/|
|___|/

4. _______________
|..______________/
|./___/|________/
||___|/________/
|_____________/
|____________/

??????
(Do you imagine how Frickin hard it is to make such a model using only /| and _ keys?)
Szanth
09-07-2006, 08:32
I'd have to go and throw a guess to say there are infinite dimensions and infinite timelines for each infinite dimension. Every possibility exists, in another dimension or another timeline.

I say this because if such a thing is true, then there are a great many (somewhere just above infinite) dimensions and timelines of said dimensions that we cannot comprehend or communicate with or interact with or find out about in any way/shape/form just because of how different it is than our dimension - if it's true, then there's an infinite number of timelines for a single dimension that's based upon the existence of nothingness and nothing else, but exists nonetheless. We will never find it, and if we did we wouldn't know it, because it doesn't exist to us.
Nhovistrana
09-07-2006, 08:40
42.
This is obviously the answer,
And now I know what the question is.
I know the meaning of life!
But I feel so empty...
Szanth
09-07-2006, 08:44
This is obviously the answer,
And now I know what the question is.
I know the meaning of life!
But I feel so empty...

The question is "How many roads must a man walk down".
Nhovistrana
09-07-2006, 08:46
The question is "How many roads must a man walk down".
That was just to throw you off the scent. Bob Dylan is a messenger of the Great Deceiver. And he was lame at Roskilde Festival, that guy needs a bar to play in.
New Burmesia
09-07-2006, 10:02
I'd have to go and throw a guess to say there are infinite dimensions and infinite timelines for each infinite dimension. Every possibility exists, in another dimension or another timeline.

I say this because if such a thing is true, then there are a great many (somewhere just above infinite) dimensions and timelines of said dimensions that we cannot comprehend or communicate with or interact with or find out about in any way/shape/form just because of how different it is than our dimension - if it's true, then there's an infinite number of timelines for a single dimension that's based upon the existence of nothingness and nothing else, but exists nonetheless. We will never find it, and if we did we wouldn't know it, because it doesn't exist to us.

Dimensions are not necessarily the same as parallel universes, though. M-Theory has 11 dimenstions and allows for an infinite number of parallel universes, assuming it's correct.
Turquoise Days
09-07-2006, 11:14
1. ______

2.
_______
| ........|
|.........|
_______

3.
..____
./___/|
|___|/

4. _______________
|..______________/
|./___/|________/
||___|/________/
|_____________/
|____________/

??????
(Do you imagine how Frickin hard it is to make such a model using only /| and _ keys?)
I want to see 10-dimensional ASCII art!
Hydesland
09-07-2006, 12:53
It either has to be infinate dimensions, or god. Either way life can't exist with out infinate dimensions.
Demented Hamsters
09-07-2006, 16:19
Brian Greene's a great author for explaining Quantum Physics.
'The Elegant Universe' and 'The Fabric of the Cosmos' are excellent reads.
United Time Lords
09-07-2006, 16:19
I can only see three dimensions, so there are only three dimensions!
Dobbsworld
09-07-2006, 16:52
I can only see three dimensions, so there are only three dimensions!
And you call yourselves Time Lords?
United Time Lords
09-07-2006, 16:59
And you call yourselves Time Lords?
Pffft.

I'm using my natural authority (*snigger*) to mislead you...
Insert Quip Here
09-07-2006, 18:05
This is obviously the answer,
And now I know what the question is.
I know the meaning of life!
But I feel so empty...
Ah, but when this happens, the universe changes and becomes even odder than it was before! Thanks a lot :mad:
Angermanland
09-07-2006, 18:05
havent actually read past the first page yet. i find doing so tends to distract me from my original point.

if i remember rightly, the number was 11. but i can't remember if it was 11 knowable and some number of unknowable ones...

or 11 total, including the knowable and the unknowable, in which case i think the number 7 has some relivance in there somewhere.

it's been ages since i looked into this stuff. it always interests me, but a lot of it goes way over my head.
Si Takena
09-07-2006, 18:12
I read awhile ago that there are between 11 and 13, with our standard 4 (spatial + time), then a shitload of screwed up, unobservable dimensions caused by warps in spacetime.
Si Takena
09-07-2006, 18:21
I want to see 10-dimensional ASCII art!
http://mathworld.wolfram.com/Hypercube.html
http://dogfeathers.com/java/hyprcube.html
http://www.harmwal.nl/hypercube/
:D
Dakini
09-07-2006, 18:38
Oh, incidently, I got this as a forward in my inbox...

http://www.tenthdimension.com/flash2.php?noflash=1

It's about how to imagine up to 10 dimensions.
Vittos Ordination2
09-07-2006, 22:24
6) sexiness
7) coolness
8) speed
9) hunger

i helped

10) grains
11) fruits and vegetables
12) meats