What is bootstrap paradox?

The bootstrap paradox, also known as an ontological paradox, is a philosophical and theoretical paradox of time travel that occurs when an object or piece of information is sent back in time, becoming part of its own creation. This creates a circular loop where the object or information has no identifiable origin.

Here's a breakdown:

• The Paradox: Imagine a scenario where you travel back in time and give a young <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Isaac%20Newton">Isaac Newton</a> a book on calculus. He then uses this book to develop calculus. Where did the knowledge of calculus originally come from? It appears to have no origin, existing only because it was sent back in time. This creates a closed causal loop.

• Key Components:

  • Time Travel: Essential for the information or object to travel back in time.
  • Closed Causal Loop: The action in the past influences the future, which in turn influences the past, creating a self-sustaining loop.
  • Lack of Origin: The object or information appears to have no initial creator or source outside the loop.

• Examples: Besides the <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Newton's%20Calculus">Newton's Calculus</a> example, other common examples include:

  • A character travels back in time and inspires William Shakespeare to write <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Hamlet">Hamlet</a> by reciting it from memory. The play exists only because the character went back in time.
  • A character receives instructions for building a time machine from a mysterious source. They then travel back in time and leave the instructions for their past self.

• Possible Resolutions (in fiction):

  • The Novikov Self-Consistency Principle: The universe will prevent paradoxes from occurring. Any attempt to change the past will be thwarted or redirected in a way that maintains the timeline's consistency.
  • Multiple Timelines: Going back in time creates a new, branching timeline, resolving the paradox but creating alternate realities.

The bootstrap paradox highlights the logical inconsistencies and potential absurdities that arise from the concept of <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Time%20Travel">Time Travel</a> and its impact on causality.