The understanding that time is a local phenomenon is not forgotten in science. In fact, it is a fundamental concept in the theory of relativity, which is a well-established and extensively tested theory in physics. According to the theory of relativity, the flow of time is influenced by the presence of gravitational fields and relative velocities.
In the theory of general relativity, gravity is described as the curvature of spacetime caused by massive objects. In regions of strong gravitational fields, time dilation occurs, meaning time appears to run slower compared to regions with weaker gravitational fields. This has been experimentally confirmed and is a critical factor in systems such as GPS satellites, where precise timekeeping is necessary for accurate positioning.
Similarly, in special relativity, the relative motion between observers affects the perception of time. When objects move at high speeds relative to each other, time dilation occurs, and each observer measures time differently. This has also been observed and confirmed through numerous experiments, including the famous Hafele-Keating experiment.
So, the current understanding of time as a local phenomenon is not flawed but is based on empirical evidence and mathematical models that have been extensively tested and validated. These concepts are crucial for our understanding of the universe, and they form the basis of modern physics.