Time & Space Dimensions - why different?

Could someone please point me to a discussion of (or briefly explain)
the qualitative difference between temporal and spatial dimensions?

I understand that most theories of the universe posit a single time
dimension and some number (3, 10, 11, 25) of spatial dimensions. I
also understand that relativity theory treats time as a fourth
dimension in an algebra that treats it similarly to spatial dimensions.

My question is: within modern theories of fundamental physics (accepted
theories like general relativity or cutting-edge theories like string
theory), is there a fundamental qualitative difference between the time
dimension and spatial dimensions? Is time a different SORT of
dimension? Or is it merely some empirical fact that causes human
consciousness to experience time differently than space -- a fact like,
say, the high entropy configuration of the early universe that provides
an "arrow" to time in a way that is not true of spatial dimensions?

I appreciate any responses, preferably to nontechnical sources, and
preferably based on mainstream and not highly idiosyncratic viewpoints.
Thanks.

.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Time & Space Dimensions - why different?
    ... dimension in an algebra that treats it similarly to spatial dimensions. ... is there a fundamental qualitative difference between the time ... Or is it merely some empirical fact that causes human ...
    (sci.physics)
  • Re: Time & Space Dimensions - why different?
    ... I understand that most theories of the universe posit a single time ... dimension in an algebra that treats it similarly to spatial dimensions. ... theories like general relativity or cutting-edge theories like string ... is there a fundamental qualitative difference between the time ...
    (sci.physics)