Sorting Out Time

Published: Nov. 25, 2020, 8:01 a.m.

Time is defined by its measurement, and yet our system for counting something so fundamental has been allowed to develop haphazardly over the ages. We consider whether it’s time for a change. In this podcast we discuss how our system for time-keeping evolved through history, what additional problems are generated by measuring time, and whether our current system is fit for purpose. We also consider whether there are any alternative systems that might do a better job. A few things we mentioned in this podcast: - History of our current timekeeping system https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/experts-time-division-days-hours-minutes/ - How Europeans spend their time https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/documents/3930297/5953614/KS-58-04-998-EN.PDF/c789a2ce-ed5b-4a0c-bcbf-693e699db7d7?version=1.0 - Nystrom’s ‘Tonal System’ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonal_system#:~:text=The%20tonal%20system%20is%20a,in%201859%20by%20John%20W.&text=Nystrom%20advocated%20his%20system%20thus,system%20of%20arithmetic%20and%20metrology. Find more Cognitive Engineering episodes here http://podcast.alephinsights.com and for more information on Aleph Insights visit our website https://alephinsights.com