Relational Passage of Time

This book presents a relational theory of time, which differs from the robust, substantivalist position. It argues that passage is nothing more than the succession of events, arranged causally along observers' worldlines. It addresses five common objections to relationism, including triviality, a-directionality, impossibility, fictionalism, and incompatibility with perduring objects. The book is relevant to scholars and advanced students in philosophy of time, metaphysics, and philosophy of physics.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 136 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book presents a novel and compelling relational theory of the passage of time. It departs from the traditional realist view, which posits that time is a substantial and enduring entity. Instead, according to relationism, the passage of time is nothing more than the sequence of events, where one event follows another in a continuous flow. Causally related events are arranged temporally as they occur along the worldlines of observers, creating a multiplicity of local passages of time rather than a single global passage.

The author begins by setting forth a strong positive argument for relationism. He emphasizes that this theory provides a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of the nature of time. It rejects the notion of time as an independent entity or a dimension that exists alongside other physical dimensions, such as space. Instead, time is seen as a relational concept, which is defined by the relationships between events and the observers who perceive them.

The author then addresses five common objections to relationism. These objections include the triviality of deflationary passage, the a-directionality of passage, the impossibility of experiencing passage, fictionalism about passage, and the incompatibility of passage with perduring objects. Each objection is carefully examined and refuted, demonstrating the robustness and viability of the relational theory of time.

In conclusion, Relational Passage of Time offers a fresh and insightful perspective on the nature of time. It challenges the traditional realist view and provides a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of the passage of time. This book will appeal to scholars and advanced students working in philosophy of time, metaphysics, and philosophy of physics, as it offers a compelling and well-defended theory that sheds light on the complexities of time and its relationship to the world around us.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032123745