n-Dimensional

OK, I’m strange. I spent about half the drive to work this morning considering dimensions. Came up with a few insights that I’m sure I could have read somewhere…

“People” living in an n-dimensional universe can only fully perceive n-1 dimensions unless they (or other things in the universe) move.

The only way to know that your n-dimensional universe exists in n+1(or more) space is to move. You have to be able to measure distance accurately to determine how your universe “curves” around the extra dimension(s). (picture a 2-dimensional closed universe wrapped around a sphere{3 dimensions}).

There’s more, but I don’t want your heads to explode.

Kevin Sherman Your post reminded me of a book I started reading about a year ago called “Quantum Glory” by Phil Mason. I’m usually a fast reader, but I’m only halfway through it because my head explodes after 2 or 3 paragraphs.

Thursday at 9:03am ·

Mandy Baker Kablooey

Thursday at 9:21am
James Baker The recognition of n dimensions instead of n-1 only requires motion if viewed from a single point of reference.
Humans and most other creatures on this planet have two, and our brains can extrapolate by comparing the two points of reference.Unless you’re referring to time as a dimension (which I’m sure you’re not), in which case, yes, we cannot understand time without motion. The two are irrevocably intertwined.

Thursday at 9:27am ·

James Baker A flat display is a common example of a single point of reference for n-1 observation, where movement within the system being projected on the display is required to observe the simulated depth.

Thursday at 9:29am
Jim Baker James, I stand by my use of the words “fully perceive”. Yes, a two-dimensional being will have some indication of 2-dness with parallax vision, but it has limitations. If you imagine standing still in an environment in which nothing is moving, parallax perception alone is not very good at perceiving the “fullness” of the dimensions. It’s only through movement of ourselves or the objects that our interpretation of parallax vision is confirmed (or denied).And if you really think about it, parallax vision substitutes for movement, anyway. If I could set up “parallax” viewing stations throughout any n-dimensional universe, I could interpret all n dimensions – but that requires movement as well.

Therefore, since parallax vision is a substitute for movement, I could with some confidence restate my original postulate: Only n-1 dimensions of any n-dimensional universe can be visually perceived without motion of the observer or the observed.
Thursday at 9:37am

Jim Baker As if this knowledge will somehow make a difference in my income or better the world as we know it…But I obsess about such things sometimes. I think somehow it’s a driving force in me to be able to use pure logic to solve problems in an otherwise non-logical world (people).

Thursday at 9:41am ·

Candace Henson Ahahahahaha. I didn’t even bother to read below the word “dimensions”. Too big for my brain! You haven’t changed a bit. Love you Bakers!

Thursday at 9:57am ·
Joseph A Mills Well, you can think about these things while driving, or you can listen to NPR…
Thursday at 10:31am ·
Julie Baker Too late! I’m with Mandy…KABLOOEY!!!
Thursday at 10:32am ·

Candace Henson Love NPR.

Thursday at 10:41am ·

James Baker I listen to audiobooks. Keeps my mind off traffic.

Thursday at 10:48am

Joseph A Mills I ponder form and the way it is perceived; and why.

Thursday at 11:04am ·

Karen Prescott All that while driving?

Thursday at 12:17pm ·