Inconsistent Physics in the Presence of Time Machines

Abstract

We present a scenario in $1 + 1$ and $3 + 1$ dimensional space time which is paradoxical in the presence of a time machine. We show that the paradox cannot be resolved and the scenario has {\em no} consistent classical solution. Since the system is macroscopic, quantisation is unlikely to resolve the paradox. Moreover, in the absence of a consistent classical solution to a macroscopic system, it is not obvious how to carry out the path integral quantisation. Ruling out, by fiat, the troublesome initial conditions will resolve the paradox, by not giving rise to it in the first place. However this implies that time machines have an influence on events, extending indefinitely into the past, and also tachyonic communication between physical events in an era when no time machine existed. If no resolution to the paradox can be found, the logical conclusion is that time machines of a certain, probably large, class cannot exist in $3 + 1$ and $1 + 1$ dimensional space time, maintaining the consistency of known physical laws.