Philosophy and Religion Spring Forum - Philosopher Ned Markosian

Philosophy and Religion Spring Forum

Three New Arguments for the Dynamic Theory of Time

A Virtual Lecture by Ned Markosian, PhD

Professor of Philosophy at the University of Massachusetts

Monday, Feb. 15

Noon to 1 p.m.

Join Zoom Meeting https://springfield.zoom.us/j/98985515322 
Meeting ID: 989 8551 5322

According to the static theory of time, time is more or less like space. In particular, it is one of four symmetrical, directionless, and static dimensions that make up spacetime—a unified, four-dimensional manifold that contains the physical universe. On this view, there is nothing special about the present moment, and time’s apparent passage is merely a subjective feature of the way humans happen to perceive the world. According to the dynamic theory of time, time is very different from space, the present is special, and the passage of time is a genuine and objective feature of the world.

In this lecture, Ned Markosian, PhD, will present three new arguments for the dynamic theory of time:

• An argument concerning personal identity and moral responsibility,
• An argument against the idea that space and time form a unified manifold, and
• A sentimental argument about certain important yet poignant truths that the dynamic theory can accommodate, but the static theory cannot.

This event is free and open to the Springfield College community and the public. It is hosted by members of the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences and is part of the Philosophy and Religion Spring Forum Speaker Series.

For more information, contact Bob Gruber at rgruber@springfield.edu.