It seems like Smolin's ideas about conceptualizing "time" outside of equations is similar to Bergson's.[1] However, Bergson was a philosopher instead of a physicist. Maybe Smolin's scientific background will add more to the perspective.
Einstein thought that since the physics equations didn't endow 't' any profound qualities in relation to other dimensions, "time" was an illusion.
Bergson was saying that "time" that we experience is something that's not fully captured by equations. He did not disagree with the physics equations predictive power. Nevertheless, physicists criticized Bergson for not understanding physics. Bergson criticized the physicists for letting the equations' practical success dictate the reality/illusion of "time".
It seems like both sides were talking past each other.
Einstein thought that since the physics equations didn't endow 't' any profound qualities in relation to other dimensions, "time" was an illusion.
Bergson was saying that "time" that we experience is something that's not fully captured by equations. He did not disagree with the physics equations predictive power. Nevertheless, physicists criticized Bergson for not understanding physics. Bergson criticized the physicists for letting the equations' practical success dictate the reality/illusion of "time".
It seems like both sides were talking past each other.
[1] http://www.amazon.com/Physicist-Philosopher-Einstein-Bergson...