The Gap Between the Subjective and the Objective: Experiencing Time and ChangB

Abstract

A-theorists and B-theorists have been debating the nature of time for many years, and the discussion is not yet close to being finished. In this paper I aim to deny the possibility of raw change on the grounds that the gaining or loosing of parts – which is essential for change – destroys identity. So, the passage of time (as described on the A-series), which is a kind of change, is impossible. It follows that the A-series cannot be an adequate description of time. Consequently, I aim to defend the B-series. I will argue that we experience the world as changing even though it is not by comparing our experience of time with our experience of the sensory world. I will argue that since there appears to be a pattern in how we perceive exterior phenomena as shown by the Gestalt laws of grouping, there exists likelihood that this pattern is also apparent in how we experience change and ultimately time. I will be speaking about the relationship between change and time, and ultimately why raw change is impossible. I will defend my thesis by talking about the details of manifest time and then move on to how we experience the world by drawing on Gestalt theories in order to show certain patterns in our perception. I will finally explain how our experience of the world and conception of time influences our language.