Correct spelling for the English word "eigentime" is [ˈa͡ɪd͡ʒɪntˌa͡ɪm], [ˈaɪdʒɪntˌaɪm], [ˈaɪ_dʒ_ɪ_n_t_ˌaɪ_m] (IPA phonetic alphabet).
Eigentime, derived from the words "eigen" (meaning own or inherent) and "time," refers to a concept in physics and philosophy, specifically within the framework of Einstein's theory of relativity. It pertains to the subjective experience of time by an individual observer or object, considering the effects of space-time curvature and gravitational fields.
In Einstein's theory of relativity, the principle of general covariance states that observations made by different observers in different frames of reference are equally valid. However, due to the warping of space and time near massive objects, such as stars or planets, the progression of time for observers in varying gravitational fields can differ. Eigentime encapsulates this notion, implying that different observers will experience time at different rates, depending on the specific gravitational conditions they are exposed to.
Eigentime is founded on the belief that time is not a universally constant phenomenon, as classical physics once assumed. Instead, it recognizes that the passage of time can be influenced by factors such as acceleration, velocity, and gravitational presence.
Moreover, eigentime emphasizes the subjective nature of time perception and challenges the notion of a single, objective time. Each observer's eigentime is influenced by their unique gravitational environment and motion through space, causing their experience of time to deviate from others'. This individual perception of time is a fundamental aspect of Einstein's theory of relativity, and eigentime represents a significant departure from classical Newtonian conceptions of time as a fixed and universal entity.