This chapter is about the metaphysical dimensions of time; it explores its dynamic, ontological, and topological aspects. The discussion moves to McTaggart’s distinction between the A-series (tensed, dynamic temporal properties like being past, present, and future) and the B-series (tenseless, static temporal relations like precedence and succession). Presentism, growing block theory, and eternalism are contrasted as ontological approaches, reflecting differing views on the existence of past, present, and future entities. Eternalism, aligned with the B-theory, is highlighted for its consistency with the theory of relativity, portraying time as a four-dimensional block. In contrast, presentism and the growing block theory, favoring dynamic conceptions of time, face challenges such as reconciling with the scientific picture of the world and addressing the ”truth-maker” problem. Additionally, the chapter examines the linear and branching topologies of time, linking them to determinism and indeterminism. It finally considers the metaphysical implications of branching timelines, including the ontological status of alternative histories and the interplay between causation and retro-causation.

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Time

  • Massimiliano Carrara,
  • Ciro De Florio,
  • Giorgio Lando,
  • Vittorio Morato

摘要

This chapter is about the metaphysical dimensions of time; it explores its dynamic, ontological, and topological aspects. The discussion moves to McTaggart’s distinction between the A-series (tensed, dynamic temporal properties like being past, present, and future) and the B-series (tenseless, static temporal relations like precedence and succession). Presentism, growing block theory, and eternalism are contrasted as ontological approaches, reflecting differing views on the existence of past, present, and future entities. Eternalism, aligned with the B-theory, is highlighted for its consistency with the theory of relativity, portraying time as a four-dimensional block. In contrast, presentism and the growing block theory, favoring dynamic conceptions of time, face challenges such as reconciling with the scientific picture of the world and addressing the ”truth-maker” problem. Additionally, the chapter examines the linear and branching topologies of time, linking them to determinism and indeterminism. It finally considers the metaphysical implications of branching timelines, including the ontological status of alternative histories and the interplay between causation and retro-causation.