The Puzzle of Four Dimensions: Why We Experience Only Three Spatial and One Temporal

Throughout human history, we have made various assumptions and statements about the nature of space and time. From renowned theoretical physicists to everyday observations, our understanding continues to evolve. For instance, Stephen Hawking and his contemporaries have stated, 'Before the big bang, the fog of energy had nowhere to exist so viewing it from the outside was impossible.' This leaves us with intriguing questions about the origins and structure of our universe.

Before space existed, there was no space, and no time. Once space came into being, it continued to exist constantly, giving birth to the concept of spacetime. Spacetime itself, much like space, exists constantly and is intertwined with the concept of time.

A dimension is an observable, measurable, or extrapolable feature or characteristic that can be either spatial or temporal. The dimension of distance is the separation between spatial points, measured in units of length along the x, y, and z axes. Conversely, duration is the single feature of existence, measured by the cycles of time on a timeline.

The Dimensionality of Space and Time

Space is defined as an infinite, surfaceless, 3D volume filled with matter and energy. Its infinitude implies an absence of finite boundaries or surfaces. This infinite nature leads us to conclude that space is uncreated and unending, a concept reinforced by observations of finite volumes like Earth, Sun, and planets. Each of these objects is surrounded by an observable 'space,' which extends beyond their finite surfaces, hinting at the infinite expanse of space.

Time, on the other hand, is the process of measuring duration by a chosen time-interval. Time is inseparable from space, existing within this infinite spacetime continuum. The infinite nature of space naturally makes time infinite as well. Timepieces, through their cyclical measurements, help us understand the passage of time, which itself is an infinitely recurring phenomenon within the infinite volume of space.

How Space and Time Are Measured

The measurement of space and time presents different challenges. Spacepieces and timepieces, the tools used to measure spatial distances and temporal durations, behave differently when accelerated or decelerated. Accelerated spacepieces shorten while timepieces lengthen, and decelerated spacepieces lengthen while timepieces shorten. This is because the measurements of space and time are coincidental and non-causal in relation to their actual values, meaning the measurements are influenced by the reference systems being used, not the space or time being measured themselves.

The behavior of space and time can be further understood through the use of non-distortable and non-adjustable spacepieces and timepieces. These tools maintain their measurements regardless of the accelerations or decelerations they experience, emphasizing that the actual dimensions of space and time are not altered by such movements. This understanding undermines the idea that space and time can be distorted, expanded, or shortened.

The Unbegun and Unending Universe

Given the infinite nature of space, the idea of gods, space aliens, or other universes existing external to it is untenable. The universe, as a whole, is uncreated and unending, a concept that can only be fully grasped through the infinite spacetime continuum. Any disagreement with this view must present a finite model of space and account for the existence of a surface or boundary beyond which additional space could exist, thereby challenging the infinite nature of the universe.

Space and time are intrinsically linked and describe the fabric of the universe. Understanding their nature helps us comprehend the true tapestry of the cosmos. This is a fascinating exploration of the four dimensions and the constraints they impose on our physical reality. The universe explains itself, and through careful observation and theoretical physics, we can continue to unravel its mysteries.