Does Tomorrow Exist?: A Debate

This book explores the question of whether past and future events exist, presenting two different views: presentism, which argues that only the present exists, and eternalism, which claims that all things, past, present, and future, exist. It offers an accessible introduction to the philosophy of temporal ontology and engages with cutting-edge research.

Format: Hardback
Length: 196 pages
Publication date: 28 March 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into the intriguing question of whether past and future events truly exist. It explores two distinct perspectives, presenting a captivating debate. According to one view, known as presentism, advocated by Nikk Effingham, the present holds a special significance. Effingham argues that only the present exists, and the specific things that constitute the present undergo constant change over time. Consequently, under presentism, dinosaurs once roamed the Earth, but they no longer exist, and even the existence of you and I is not guaranteed for all time.

In contrast, the alternative view, championed by Kristie Miller, posits that our world is a vast four-dimensional block of spacetime where all things, including the past, present, and future, coexist. On this perspective, dinosaurs still exist, but they are not currently located within our time.

The book offers a comprehensive exploration of these arguments, drawing upon insights from various fields such as science, our subjective experiences of time, change, and freedom, and the interpretation of ordinary claims about the past. It serves as an accessible introduction to the philosophy of temporal ontology, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in this philosophical domain. Through engaging with and elucidating state-of-the-art and cutting-edge research, the book offers valuable insights into the ongoing debate surrounding the existence of past and future events, shedding light on the rich tapestry of philosophical thought.

Weight: 550g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367615949