Title

Extent of the present

School/Department

Talbot School of Theology

Publication Date

6-2000

Abstract

One of the principal objections to a tensed or dynamic theory of time is the ancient puzzle about the extent of the present. Three alternative conceptions of the extent of the present are considered: an instantaneous present, an atomic present, and a non-metrical present. The first conception is difficult to reconcile with the objectivity of temporal becoming posited by a dynamic theory of time. The second conception solves that problem, but only at the expense of making change discontinuous. The third conception is the most plausible: that "the present" is a non-metrical notion which must be completed by the mention of some event or interval in order to have a measure, in which case what is present varies with one's context.

Publication Title

International Studies in the Philosophy of Science

Volume

14

Issue

2

First Page

165

Last Page

185

DOI of Published Version

10.1080/02698590050045746

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS