Space and time: Continuity in the correspondence between Charles Peirce and Victoria Welby

Abstract

Though from two different points of view, both Charles Peirce and Victoria Welby examined the problem of time during the same years. In their correspondence, whereas Peirce explains his position about the indeterminacy of the future, Lady Welby proposes her theory about the dependence of time on space. Since they both tacitly refer to Kant's thesis on space and time, Kantianism can be an extremely important tool in order to understand similarities and differences between Peirce's and Welby's philosophical views. Continuity, as well as time and space, is a crucial notion to clarify Peirce's statements: the definite development of the concept of continuity in his philosophy allows us to better understand his notion of reality and experience. The present essay proposes to focus on the importance of time in Peirce's metaphysical thought by emphasizing its connection with Welby's remarks on the centrality of Motion and Change in our experience.