ABSTRACT

What is time? Does it pass? Is the future open? Why do we care? Philosophy of Time: The Basics doesn’t answer these questions. It does give you an opinionated introduction to thinking a bit more deeply about them. Written in a way that assumes no philosophical background from its readers, this book looks at central topics in philosophy of time and shows how they relate to other time-related topics – from theoretical physics (without the maths!) to your own mortality. Additional questions include:

  • In what way is time different to space?
  • How long is the present?
  • Does the Theory of Relativity show time doesn’t pass?
  • What makes time have a direction or ‘arrow’?
  • Can you be harmed by your own death?

Allowing the reader to think more deeply about time, this book begins to untangle some of the most difficult knots in all of philosophy. It also provides practical advice to prospective time-travelers.

chapter 1|19 pages

The Problem of Change

chapter 2|18 pages

Atoms and Continuity

chapter 3|17 pages

Experiencing Change

chapter 4|17 pages

Experiencing the Self

chapter 5|21 pages

Relativity of Simultaneity

chapter 6|17 pages

The Arrow of Time

chapter 7|17 pages

Fatalism

chapter 11|16 pages

Time Travel

chapter 8|18 pages

Time Bias

chapter 9|19 pages

Rewriting History

chapter 10|19 pages

Living in the Present