New papers on the present

Viac o knihe

Presentism asserts that only the present exists, while eternalism posits that past, present, and future objects and times all exist. Philosophers have long debated whether reality is a dynamic present with objects and events emerging and fading or a comprehensive existence encompassing all time periods. Presentism aligns more closely with common sense and everyday language about time, yet eternalism may better accommodate certain aspects of common sense and aligns more with contemporary science. In the past two decades, both positions have garnered support in analytic philosophy, leading to a rich discourse filled with arguments for and against each viewpoint, along with numerous alternative theories. This volume is aimed at anyone interested in metaphysics and the philosophy of language, from novices to advanced scholars. It offers updated research on critical topics such as the nature of the present, truth, cross-temporality, the passage of time, and the methodological foundations of the presentism versus eternalism debate. The work is designed as a cohesive whole, addressing the terms and methodology of the debate, weighing the pros and cons of each stance, and exploring alternative solutions. The novel papers contribute significantly to the philosophy of time while maintaining focus on core issues, making them accessible to both specialists and newcomers. Bibliographies at the end of each paper serve as useful research too