The Enigma of Time in 'Arrival'

The 2016 science fiction film Arrival, directed by Denis Villeneuve and based on Ted Chiang's novella In the Forest of the Night, delves deep into the concept of time and its perceived determinism. At the heart of the movie is the protagonist, Dr. Louise Banks, who learns to perceive time in a non-linear and multidimensional way through her interactions with the alien language. This learning process challenges the conventional understanding of time and free will, inviting us to explore the implications of the block universe theory.

Perception of Time in 'Arrival'

Non-linear Time Perception:
In Arrival, the alien language enables Dr. Banks to experience moments from her life out of chronological order. This shift in perspective suggests that future events are predetermined, much like a static, block universe where all events are coexisting. This film raises important philosophical questions about the nature of time and free will. By framing the movie in such a way, it invites viewers to ponder the idea that just as we can perceive a three-dimensional landscape as a whole, we can also perceive time as a static, multi-dimensional construct.

Block Universe Theory and Determinism

Block Universe Theory:
According to the block universe theory, time is a single dimension much like the other spatial dimensions. It suggests that all moments, past, present, and future, already exist and are as real as the present moment. This view is in stark contrast to the conventional understanding of time, which is experienced as a sequence of events unfolding over an ongoing process. In Arrival, the protagonist's ability to perceive future events as if they are already written and waiting to unfold supports this theory. The film's portrayal raises questions about the nature of reality and whether individual choices truly determine the future.

Conflation of Objective and Subjective Time

Objective vs. Subjective Time:
The movie also addresses the conflation of objective and subjective time. Objective time behaves like a static dimension, much like the spatial dimensions of a landscape. It represents a fixed and unchanging reality. On the other hand, subjective time, which is experienced by individuals, is dynamic and feels like it flows with a distinct past and future separated by the present moment. This dual nature of time is critical to understanding the science and philosophy presented in Arrival.

Relativity and Time in 'Arrival'

Relativity and Space-Time Continuum:
Albert Einstein's theory of relativity posits that space and time are interwoven into a four-dimensional continuum known as space-time. In this theory, it is not possible to "travel" through time in the same way one travels through space. The notion of a space-time diagram showing a path that implies motion is a common misunderstanding. According to relativity, time is not experienced as flowing but is rather a dimension through which we move only in the present. This is further supported by Kurt G?del's mathematical proof, which demonstrated that in some solutions to Einstein's field equations, time travel to the past was theoretically possible.

Drawing from these concepts, the movie explores a scenario where Dr. Banks can perceive events from different times, not as a physical travel through time but as a different way of perceiving reality. This ability is more about understanding the static nature of time rather than changing it.

Conclusion

While Arrival does not suggest that future events are predestined in the way some interpretations might suggest, it does present a thought-provoking exploration of the block universe theory. By blurring the lines between objective and subjective time, the film challenges us to reconsider our perceptions of reality and freedom. It invites us to question whether our understanding of time is a construct that can be perceived in different ways, and whether those perceptions might give us new insights into the nature of the universe and our place within it.

References

Einstein, A. (1905). Special Theory of Relativity. G?del, K. (1949). Event and Time in Relativity Theory. Chiang, T. (2002). In the Forest of the Night.