Present (time)

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The present is the time that is perceived directly, not as a recollection or a speculation. It is often considered as a point in space-time, often called now, but it may also be viewed as a duration (see specious present).

When comparing time in places separated by great distances, the notion of present becomes unclear. For example, we see stars as and where they were when the light now reaching our eyes was emitted, because even though light travels at approximately 3 x 10⁸ m/s it takes many years to reach us.

1 The present as illusion
2 The present according to Special Relativity
3 A philosophical problem
4 The present in Buddhism
5 See also
6 External links
7 References

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The present as illusion

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Modern physics has not yet been able to explain what we normally understand by 'now'. Furthermore, there is no demonstrable reason why time should move in any one particular direction. This has led to the conclusion that the idea of a present is illusory and does not reflect the true nature of reality. The notion of "now" may be better understood as an unrealistic concept that has evolved in humans and animals to give us an understanding of reality useful only to the extent necessary for survival.

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The present according to Special Relativity

According to Albert Einstein's "Special Theory of Relativity", the amount of time that passes depends on the speed of the observer. So if two people meet at one time, and one person goes very fast in a train before they meet again, while the other person sits still in a train, much less time will have passed for the person who went very fast. But of course, according to even classical physics, speed is relative, so which one of them took more or less time can even be a paradox (note that in the train example it is only clear since one of them had to accelerate to come back). This means that there is not a clear definition of what time it is, or, what now/the present means.

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A philosophical problem

"The present" also raises another difficult question: "How is it that all sentient beings experience "now" at the same time?" There is no logical reason why this should be the case and no easy answer to the question. For example, say somebody named John is experiencing a great deal of pain. John's friend Fred takes pity on John's situation. The problem is: is it logical for Fred to feel bad for John at present, when there is no way to prove that both John and Fred experience the same temporal existence? (See also Solipsism and Philosophy of mind.)

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The present in Buddhism

Buddhism and many of its derivative philosophies emphasize the importance of living in the present moment — being fully aware what is happening, and not dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. This does not mean that they encourage hedonism, but merely that through constantly being aware of one's position in space and time will allow one to make better decisions. A number of meditative techniques aim to help the practicer live in the present moment.

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