Abstract
Investigation into the reality of time can be pursued within the ontological domain or it can also span human thought and natural language. I propose to approach time by correlating three domains of inquiry: metaphysical time (M), the human concept of time (E), and temporal reference in natural language (L), entertaining the possibility of what I call a ‘horizontal reduction’ (L > E > M) and ‘vertical reduction’. I present a view of temporalityL/E as epistemic modality, drawing on evidence from the L domain and its correlates in the E and M domains. On this view, the human concept of time is a complex, ‘molecular’ concept and can be broken down into primitive concepts that are modal in nature, featuring as degrees of epistemic commitment to representations of states of affairs. I present evidence from tensed and tenseless languages (endorsing the L > E path) and point out its compatibility with the view of real time as metaphysical modality (endorsing the E > M path).
Highlights
Investigation into the reality of time can be pursued within the ontological domain or it can span human thought and natural language
Questions about the nature of time and its role in human life are ubiquitous in fiction and show that we live in time, we still do not comprehend the human concept of time and what it is in reality that this concept reflects or addresses
Some philosophers of time believe that metaphysical time ought to be pursued only through an inquiry into the physical world; others assume the relevance of an inquiry into the human mind and the linguistic expression of the human concept of time
Summary
The question about the nature of time has always been intrinsically connected with the question as to whether time is real. On B-theory, time does not flow; reality is tenselessM and timeM consists of relations of precedence and following among events. This theory is closer to the picture of the universe given to us by contemporary physics in that the time dimension is very much like space dimensions and is best represented by the block universe theory. Address here even a small part of the arguments but the main reason for the buoyancy of the time wars seems to be the fact that the scientific approach to timeM favours the Btheoretic outlook of post-Einsteinian physics, while the experience tells us that reality appears tensedM, just as it did to Aristotle or St Augustine. Having summarised my theory of temporalityE/L as modalityE/L, I conclude with a proposal of a novel modal reduction across (‘horizontal’), as well as within (‘vertical’), all three domains: L, E and M
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
