Temporal Coherence

Temporal Coherence describes how an instance of a thing moves through time coherently. What does that mean? Well, time can be a complicated thing to think about, let alone how a thing can move through it and in a coherent way. Let’s explore what time is a bit before we add the coherency concept into the mix.

Movement through time transcends the conventional notion of movement, typically understood as shifting from one spatial location to another. Instead, the movement through time is a fundamentally different concept. It encompasses the transformation and evolution of states of being. Essentially, moving through time involves progressing through a chain of causal events, with each step leading an instance of a thing from one state of existence to another.

Our perception and measurement of time have evolved significantly over the ages. Initially, time was segmented into day and night, simple yet fundamental divisions based on the Earth’s rotation. We then refined our measurement with tools like sundials, which used the sun’s position to break the day into smaller units. Following this, hourglasses allowed us to measure shorter periods with the steady flow of sand, marking the passage of time with each grain’s descent.

The development of mechanical clocks introduced springs and gears, enabling more precise measurements through the consistent unwinding of wound springs. This progression continued with the advent of quartz timekeeping. In this method, time is measured by the vibration of quartz crystals, which occurs when electricity is applied. This process, though invisible to the naked eye, is remarkably accurate.

The pinnacle of our time-measuring capabilities is the atomic clock. Here, time is quantified by the decay of atoms, a phenomenon far beyond human visual perception but one that offers unprecedented accuracy. This evolution from observable changes, like the shifting of shadows on a sundial, to the imperceptible shifts in atomic states, highlights the expanding depth of our understanding of time.

On a macroscopic level, the movement of things through time is evident. This is characterized by transformation and evolution. It can be observed in phenomena such as the aging of objects, the progression of seasons, or the development of societies. Each moment leads to the next, influenced by the interactions of countless molecules and larger entities. On the microscopic scale, it’s observed in the subtler realm of fundamental particles. Here, an electron might change its spin or position, with each shift playing a role in the broader sequence through which time manifests itself.

In summary, time encompasses everything from simple cycles, like day turning to night, to complex phenomena such as atomic decay. It facilitates change across the universe, affecting everything from the smallest particles to the vastest galaxies, all part of a continuous, unbroken chain of events. This understanding of time as a fundamental dimension of existence paves the way for delving into concepts like temporal coherence.

Having laid a foundation in our understanding of time, we now turn our attention to the concept of temporal coherence and its manifestation in all things.

Temporal Coherence refers to how well the steps of causality of a thing are aligned in a sequence. In everyday reality, instances lacking temporal coherence are rare. However, this concept is more noticeable in contexts such as science fiction or certain visual and audio representations. For instance, in a video, a lack of temporal coherence is evident through abrupt, non-smooth transitions of visual objects. Similarly, in sound recordings, it may manifest as disjointed and poorly connected sequences of sounds.

Equally important, Temporal Coherence is crucial for describing and tracking an instance of a thing through time. This aspect is integral to understanding how things evolve and change. The following definition aims to encapsulate precisely what is meant by Temporal Coherence in this context.

• Temporal Coherence (adjective): The quality of temporal elements (points in time of something) being joined with one another within a sequence. Where the elements are joined, the points or parts are well-fitted, and no other points or parts interfere with this fit. When each temporal element’s joints are well-fitted, the resulting changes in form and location are causal, creating logical progression, and resulting in predictability. Conversely, ill-fitted joints lead to changes in form and location that are non-causal, disrupting logical progression, and leading to unpredictability.

That definition of Temporal Coherence is directly derived from the Coherence definition which can make it difficult to comprehend what that looks like in practice. That original coherence definition is as follows:

• Coherence (adjective): The quality of elements being joined with one another. Where the elements are joined, the points or parts are well-fitted, and no other points or parts interfere with this fit. Physical elements include particles, molecules, components, or assemblies. Conceptual elements include properties, fundamental concepts, emergent concepts, and constructs.

To better illustrate Temporal Coherence in a practical context, the following definition offers a clearer, more applied perspective:

• Temporal Coherence (adjective): The quality by which changes of something’s form or location in a sequence adheres to predictable, causal patterns, ensuring that each state follows naturally from its predecessor without sudden or unexplained disruptions.