Thick Presentism and Newtonian Mechanics

TL;DR

This paper argues that Newtonian mechanics is derived from the principle of microlevel reducibility, which emphasizes the importance of the present moment and a structureless particle ensemble, supported by the concept of thick presentism and dual time.

Contribution

It introduces the principle of microlevel reducibility as the foundation of Newtonian formalism, linking philosophical concepts with physical laws.

Findings

Derivation of Newtonian formalism from the principle of microlevel reducibility

Connection between thick presentism and the structure of classical physics

Introduction of two-dimensional time in the physical framework

Abstract

In the present paper I argue that the formalism of Newtonian mechanics stems directly from the general principle to be called the principle of microlevel reducibility which physical systems obey in the realm of classical physics. This principle assumes, first, that all the properties of physical systems must be determined by their states at the current moment of time, in a slogan form it is "only the present matters to physics." Second, it postulates that any physical system is nothing but an ensemble of structureless particles arranged in some whose interaction obeys the superposition principle. I substantiate this statement and demonstrate directly how the formalism of differential equations, the notion of forces in Newtonian mechanics, the concept of phase space and initial conditions, the principle of least actions, etc. result from the principle of microlevel reducibility. The philosophical concept of thick presentism and the introduction of two dimensional time---physical time and meta-time that are mutually independent on infinitesimal scales---are the the pivot points in these constructions.