New Directions in the Russellian Theory of Time: Metaphysical and Ontological Issues

(Hardback)

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The main debates in the philosophy of time have centred on whether A-theory, with events ordered by pastness, presentness and futurity, or B-theory, ordered by earlier than or later than, are equally fundamental. Emiliano Boccardi, L. Nathan Oaklander and Erwin Tegtmeier instead uphold the Russellian theory, or R-theory, and consider not only the fundament differences but also its superiority. They argue McTaggarts misinterpretation of Russell has led to a false dichotomy between the A- and B-theories, while exploring the connection between temporal relations, temporal facts and time. In defence of the R-theory, they argue how it offers a metaphysical explanation of the nature of time, in addition to investigating whether ontological theories of time can be considered from a moral or existential point of view. Using an ontological approach, this volume clarifies what is mistaken about both theories can only be resolved by adopting a Russellian philosophy, reaching beyond the A-theory vs B-theory debate.

Author Bio

Emiliano Boccardi is Visiting Professor at the Federal University of Bahia, Brazil. L. Nathan Oaklander is Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at the University of Michigan-Flint, USA. Erwin Tegtmeier is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Mannheim, Germany.