No Dynamical Time Implies Contradiction 1.1

We prove a structural no-go theorem: a physical theory cannot simultaneously satisfy general covariance, local energy–momentum conservation, operational time measurement by physical clocks, quantum unitarity, and globally well-posed causal evolution if time is treated as a non-dynamical external parameter. The contradiction arises because unitary evolution and well-posed dynamics require a physically meaningful temporal ordering, while general covariance forbids promoting a coordinate parameter to physical status. We show that the only consistent resolution is the introduction of a dynamical time degree of freedom, either as a fundamental field or as an equivalent relational structure. Version 1.1 updates:• Explicitly clarifies that relational clock constructions are included as valid dynamical time structures.• Makes explicit that backreaction is a necessary consequence of treating time as dynamical, not an additional assumption.