Philosophical thinking about time is characterised by tensions between competing conceptions. Different sources of evidence yield different conclusions about it. Common sense suggests there is an objective present, and that time is dynamic. Science recognises neither feature. This Element examines McTaggart's argument for the unreality of time, which epitomises this tension, showing how it gave rise to the A-theory/B-theory debate. Each theory is in tension with either ordinary or scientific thinking, so must accommodate the competing conception. Reconciling the A-theory with science does not look promising. Prospects look better for the B-theory's attempt to accommodate ordinary thinking about time.
By:
Heather Dyke (University of Otago New Zealand) Imprint: Cambridge University Press Country of Publication: United Kingdom Edition: New edition Dimensions:
Height: 228mm,
Width: 151mm,
Spine: 5mm
Weight: 143g ISBN:9781108940726 ISBN 10: 1108940722 Series:Elements in Metaphysics Pages: 75 Publication Date:23 December 2021 Audience:
College/higher education
,
Further / Higher Education
Format:Paperback Publisher's Status: Active
1. What is Puzzling About Time?; 2. Methodology in the Philosophy of Time; 3. McTaggart and His Legacy; 4. The A-Theory; 5. The B-Theory; 6. Explaining Temporal Experience; 7. Concluding Remarks.