Time
This exploration delves into the A-Theory and B-Theory of time, focusing on their distinct approaches to temporal properties and relations. A-Theory posits genuine A-properties such as pastness and presentness, asserting that time passes as entities acquire these properties. In contrast, B-Theory denies the existence of A-properties, suggesting time does not genuinely pass. We also examine the Tenseless and Tensed Views of Semantics to understand how language expresses time, including discussions on truth values for propositions. The implications of how we perceive and articulate time are profound.
Time
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Presentation Transcript
Time tense
A properties: putative temporal properties like pastness, presentness, futurity, being one day future, etc. • B relations: two-place temporal relations like earlier than, simultaneous with, later than, one day later than, etc. a-properties and b-properties
The A Theory: (i) There are genuine A properties, and (ii) the passage of time consists of each time’s successive possession of different A properties. • The B Theory: (i) There are no genuine A properties, and (ii) time does not really pass. a-theory and b-theory
The Tenseless View of Semantics (TLVS): (i) The verbal tenses of ordinary language (expressions like ‘it is the case that’, ‘it was the case that’, and ‘it will be the case that’) can be eliminated through appropriate use of expressions like ‘simultaneous with’, ‘earlier than’, and ‘later than’. (ii) Propositions – the things that are true or false – have truth values simpliciter rather than having truth values at times. the tensless view
The Tensed View of Semantics (TVS): (i) The verbal tenses of ordinary language (expressions like ‘it is the case that’, ‘it was the case that’, and ‘it will be the case that’) must be taken as primitive and unanalyzable. (ii) Propositions – the things that are true or false – have truth values at times rather than just having truth values simpliciter. the tensed view
If it makes sense to say that time passes, then it makes sense to ask ‘How fast does time pass?’. • If it makes sense to ask ‘How fast does time pass?’, then it’s possible for there to be a coherent answer to this question. • It’s not possible for there to be a coherent answer to this question. • [So] It doesn’t make sense to say that time passes. the rate of passage argument
When you say “Thank goodness that’s over,” you are saying something sensible about a temporal fact. • When you say “Thank goodness that’s over,” you are not saying anything about any B-fact. • If (1) and (2), then when you say “Thank goodness that’s over,” you are saying something sensible about an A-fact. • If when you say “Thank goodness that’s over,” you are saying something sensible about an A-fact, then there are A-facts. • If there are A-facts, then The A Theory true. • [So] The A Theory is true. prior’s argument
