Towards a C theory of time : an appraisal of the physics and metaphysics of time direction
This thesis introduces and defends a 'C theory' of time. The metaphysics of time literature is primarily concerned with the distinction between the A and B theories of time, with the disagreement concerning whether the passage of time is an objective feature of reality. I argue that the distinction between the Band C theories-in terms of whether time has a 'privileged' direction-is of more obvious relevance to the philosophy of physics than is the distinction between the A and B theories. The thesis has three main contentions. (1) In order to maintain a substantial metaphysical dispute between the different theories of time, they must be defined in terms of structural properties, and the naturalistic metaphysics of time direction involves the assessment of these structures in light of contemporary physics. (2) The A theory of time requires a model with two temporal dimensions, and although such a model proVides a resolution to a number of problems faced by standard A theories, it is not motivated by physical theory. (3) The dispute between the Band C theories of time is of direct relevance to the philosophy of physics: the B theorist's assumption of the existence of a privileged temporal direction is of explanatory
Farr, Matthew William Edward
Towards a C theory of time : an appraisal of the physics and metaphysics of time direction. This thesis introduces and defends a 'C theory' of time. The metaphysics of time literature is primarily concerned with the distinction between the A and B theories of time, with the disagreement concerning whether the passage of time is an objective feature of reality. I argue that the distinction between the Band C theories-in terms of whether time has a 'privileged' direction-is of more obvious relevance to the philosophy of physics than is the distinction between the A and B theories. The thesis has three main contentions. (1) In order to maintain a substantial metaphysical dispute between the different theories of time, they must be defined in terms of structural properties, and the naturalistic metaphysics of time direction involves the assessment of these structures in light of contemporary physics. (2) The A theory of time requires a model with two temporal dimensions, and although such a model proVides a resolution to a number of problems faced by standard A theories, it is not motivated by physical theory. (3) The dispute between the Band C theories of time is of direct relevance to the philosophy of physics: the B theorist's assumption of the existence of a privileged temporal direction is of explanatory
towards theory_time appraisal physic metaphysics time direction introduces defend theory_time metaphysics time literature primarily_concern distinction theory_time disagreement concern whether passage time objective feature reality argue distinction band theories term whether time privileged direction obvious relevance philosophy physic distinction theory three_main contention order maintain substantial metaphysical dispute different_theory time must define_term structural_property naturalistic metaphysics time direction involve assessment structure light_contemporary physic theory_time require model temporal dimension although model resolution number problem_face standard theory motivate physical theory dispute band theory_time direct relevance philosophy physic theorist assumption existence privilege temporal direction explanatory