By Einstein's definition, time is what clocks measure – but how can we define “clock” without referring to time? This tag is for such philosophical questions about the many unresolved issues concerning time. Though this includes questions about the interpretation of physical theories and concepts, if your question is about what current physics can quantitatively predict or explain, it is probably not about philosophy and therefore off-topic.
Questions tagged [time]
405 questions
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Is the notion of a "speed" of time a logical one?
Most of out time-measuring instruments are based on repetitive physical phenomenon. These phenomenon repeat and every time their state matches the one in our recent memory, we tend to acknowledge, that a unit of time has passed.
on the other hand,…
user2411
7
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Is there such thing as the present?
I know there are other hypotheses on time, but for this question lets go with this definition of time:
The indefinite, constant, continued progress of existence.
Now we have the three parts of time: The past, present and the future.
Lets define…
Beastly Gerbil
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What is the difference between eternalism and the B theory of time?
I've always treated eternalism and the B theory of time as largely synonymous and thought they just refer to the perspective of viewing the universe as a single static entity with "slices" or "instants".
I read here…
Greg Nisbet
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5
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Change Without Time
I came across this comment:
You won't understand this answer, but here we go: Time and space are intrinsically connected. You cannot have one without the other. Before the Big Bang there was no space and hence there was no time. Asking about what…
Metaphysiker
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Does there necessarily have to be a beginning to time?
Although, I can conceive of a potentially infinite amount of time ahead of me, for it is not actual as it remains to be experienced, I can't conceive of a potentially infinite amount of time behind me, for having been experienced it is actual, and…
Mozibur Ullah
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4
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relative merits of presentism, eternalism and the growing block universe
What are the relative merits of the different philosphies of time. Presentism states that only the present now exists, a la Julian Barbour. Eternalism posits an object spacetime stage where everything is already laid out simultaneously. The growing…
Oliver
3
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What is the basis for a b theory of time?
I am trying to better understand the B theory of time. It doesn’t make sense to me to deny tenses and say that every spot in time exists. Can someone please provide a basis for adopting the B theory, mainly the biggest arguments for it over the A…
Luke Hill
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How can time have a beginning when a beginning needs time?
I think this is not the first time this question has been asked. Nevertheless, I ask it.
Often when asked if there was a time before the beginning of time, the North pole analogy is put forward. It's useless to ask because it's the same as asking…
user52804
3
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2 answers
Does the future always arrive?
Does the future always arrive?
To clarify by example : can a future event and an event that occurs in the present ever be identical ?
luke
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Presentism: Which present?
Presentism describe how only the present exists, the future have yet to be actualised and the past has ceased to exist (except for its trace left behind in our memory at the present that allow us to deduce it once existed)
Now consider two…
Secret
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3
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Events without a time after them
It is possible to say what time it is for someone (it's 1 AM here): so why can't we construct a B series for them? Is it reasonable to do so, and what would the word for the series be?
There is no such time after death. Does an event end even if…
user6917
3
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6 answers
Is it possible for two instantaneous events, one predicated on the other, to happen at the exact same time?
As the title states lets say there are two events, one is essentially the product/result of the other. Both events are absolutely instantaneous. Could these events occur at the exact same time?
YogiDMT
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Does time ever go backwards in Special Relativity
If I move away from an obsverer at high speed, does that obsverer go backwards in time relative to me? Due to things like surfaces of simultaneity?
Or is this overinterpreting of coordinates and things just flow forward.
Simon01_Pringles
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Anyone claim that the future begins before the present ends?
Who, if anyone, claims that the future begins before the present ends? I will spare you the tortured reasoning behind the (implicit) claim someone might. I'd be especially interested in any philosopher who thinks the present depends on us in any…
user62727
2
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7 answers
Is time travel only possible if the world is deterministic?
Let's say that true free will (and not only the impression of free will) is only possible if the world is not deterministic (meaning that the future of universe in not determined by its state at an initial time t0). Let's say that "F" means "Free…
Julien
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