A Relational Framework

Polarized
Time Inertia

Unifying gravity, quantum mechanics, and cosmological structure through three axioms and one emergence hierarchy.

David James Milton Hansen  ·  2026

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The Idea

What if space, energy, and mass all emerge from time?

General Relativity and Quantum Mechanics are the two most successful theories in the history of physics — and they are mutually incompatible. PTI proposes that both are valid projections of a deeper relational structure, seen from different reference frames.

The universe is not a stage on which events play out. It is a self-referential comparative engine, where existence requires interaction, and observation shapes reality.

Foundation

Three Axioms

I

Relational Existence

An entity exists if and only if it interacts with at least one other entity. Existence is constituted by relation, not by substance.

II

Hierarchical Condensation

Interactions produce new entities at higher complexity. Time begets space; space-time begets energy; energy begets mass.

III

Frame-Dependent Decomposition

The categories of time, space, energy, and mass are observer-dependent projections of a single relational structure.

T ⊗ T → S    S ⊗ T → E    E ⊗ S ⊗ T → M
Emergence Hierarchy
The emergence hierarchy with connections to established physics at each level.
Gravity

Space flows into matter

Massive particles convert spatial degrees of freedom back into temporal relations. This consumption of space creates an inward flow — what we experience as gravity. Mathematically equivalent to general relativity via the Hamilton-Lisle river model.

Gravity Mechanism
Gravity as inward spatial flow, driven by relational condensation.
Entanglement

The illusion of distance

In the null frame connecting entangled particles, spatial separation is zero. "Spooky action at a distance" is locality in the mediating frame. There is no distance to cross.

Entanglement
Entanglement as locality in the relational null frame. (cf. ER = EPR, Maldacena & Susskind 2013)
Cosmology

A self-perpetuating loop

PTI predicts a cyclical universe. When all matter decays to radiation, the relational structure collapses. The final particle — containing all the universe's energy — violates Axiom I and decays, restarting the cycle.

Cyclical Singularity
The cyclical cosmology: a self-limiting relational loop.
Documents

Read the full theory

The revised paper, experimental tests, and presentation are available for download.

📄
The Theory Polarized Time Inertia — Revised Edition. Full paper with diagrams, equations, and 34 references.
🔬
Experimental Tests 19 proposed tests with falsification criteria, organized by axiom. Companion document.
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Presentation 20-slide PowerPoint covering all major claims, diagrams, and testable predictions.
Not many worlds — many viewpoints.
Not static spacetime — a flowing conversion engine.
Not a one-time creation — a self-perpetuating loop.