Preserved Causality Theory

A hypothetical framework proposing that faster-than-light (FTL) travel does not necessarily imply time travel or causality violation. Contrary to conventional physics (where FTL equals time travel via relativity), Preserved Causality Theory suggests that causality is more fundamental than light speed limits—that there's a deeper structure ensuring causes precede effects regardless of velocity. This could involve privileged reference frames, quantum non-locality extended to macroscopic scales, or novel spacetime geometry that allows FTL without temporal paradoxes. The theory opens the door to interstellar travel while keeping grandma safe from accidental erasure. It's the dream of every sci-fi fan who wants warp drive without the headache of meeting your own grandfather.

"But Einstein said FTL equals time travel!" they protested. "Preserved Causality Theory," the warp drive engineer replied, "suggests Einstein was right about light but wrong about causality being tied to it. We're going to Alpha Centauri in a week, and we'll be back before we left—no, wait, we'll be back after we left. Causality preserved. Probably." The theory remains unproven, but so does faster-than-light travel itself."

Preserved Causality Theory by Nammugal March 4, 2026

Preserved Causality Theory

A framework proposing that causality is fundamental and conserved—that even in extreme conditions (FTL travel, time dilation, quantum weirdness), cause-effect relationships are preserved. Preserved Causality suggests that causality isn't just a feature of our spacetime but a conserved quantity, like energy or momentum. You can stretch it, bend it, maybe even warp it—but you cannot break it. FTL doesn't mean time travel; it means we don't yet understand how causality is preserved at those speeds.

"They said FTL means time travel—therefore impossible. Preserved Causality Theory says: maybe causality is conserved, like energy. We don't know how FTL preserves it, but that doesn't mean it can't. The theory buys time for engineers: causality isn't fragile; it's fundamental."

Preserved Causality Theory by Dumu The Void March 5, 2026