The Mathematics of Emergent Time
“Time is not a container but a computation — the recursive writing speed of reality.”
Abstract
In Intent Tensor Theory (ITT), Time is not a fundamental dimension but an emergent functional arising from recursive state updates within the Collapse Tension Substrate (CTS). Time measures the accumulated rate of recursive state change. When the substrate achieves perfect lock, Time stalls. When recursive drift dominates, Time flows.
What Time IS in ITT
| Property | Definition |
|---|---|
| Ontological Status | Emergent, not fundamental |
| Mathematical Type | Functional over a field configuration |
| Physical Meaning | The “writing speed” of recursive updates |
| Quantization | Discrete at Planck scale, continuous macroscopically |
The Core Equation: Temporal Functional
The Temporal Functional defines how Time accumulates over a spatial region Ω and recursion interval:
T(Ω, t) = ∫_{t₀}^{t} ∫_{Ω} σ_θ(x, τ) d³x dτ
This is a double integral accumulating:
- Over space Ω ⊆ ℝ³: the region of interest
- Over recursion parameter τ ∈ [t₀, t]: the update interval
The integrand σ_θ is the Recursive Drift Scalar—the local rate of irreversible state change.
The Drift-Lock Mechanism
The drift production scalar governs temporal emergence:
σ_θ(x, t) = 𝒟(x, t) · (1 - ℒ(x, t))
| Symbol | Name | Domain | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 𝒟 | Drift Magnitude | [0, ∞) | Rate of glyph field evolution |
| ℒ | Shell-Lock | [0, 1] | Recursive stability coefficient |
| σ_θ | Drift Scalar | [0, ∞) | Net temporal production rate |
Boundary Cases:
- ℒ = 1 ⇒ σ_θ = 0: Time stalls (perfect lock)
- ℒ = 0 ⇒ σ_θ = 𝒟: Time flows maximally
The Trinity of Record
| Concept | ITT Definition | Mathematical Role |
|---|---|---|
| Gravity | The Locked Record | Alignment functional 𝒜 maintains curvature |
| Entropy | The Fading Record | Cumulative drift S_θ sets the arrow |
| Time | The Recording Process | Functional T(Ω, t) orders state updates |
Quick Reference: Core Equations
| Equation | Name |
|---|---|
| T(Ω, t) = ∫∫ σ_θ d³x dτ | Temporal Functional |
| σ_θ = 𝒟(1 – ℒ) | Drift Production |
| 𝒟 = α_𝓜 ‖∂_t 𝓜‖ + α_Φ ‖∂_t ∇Φ‖ | Drift Magnitude |
| Ψ_{n+1} = R̂(Ψ_n) | Recursive Update |
| γ_ITT = √(1 – 𝒜² · Tr(𝓜)/Tr(𝓜)_max) | LOAD Identity |
| Δτ_min = t_P | Planck Tick |
| Δt ≥ ℏ / (κ_g · Tr(𝓜)) | Delta Threshold |
Explore the Mathematics
Dive deeper into each component of the Temporal Scroll:
- The Temporal Functional — Core time equation with rigorous derivation
- Drift-Lock Dynamics — The σ_θ mechanism in full detail
- The Recursive Operator — State transition formalism Ψ_{n+1} = R̂(Ψ_n)
- Time Dilation: LOAD Identity — Why clocks run slow
- Planck Quantization — Temporal tick and stutter
- Control Functions — Delta threshold manipulation
GitHub Repository
Full mathematical documentation, LaTeX source, and proofs available at:
🔗 github.com/intent-tensor-theory/0.0_time
By controlling the state of Delta, we do not move through Time; we manipulate the frequency at which Time is generated.