Abstract
This paper introduces a new theory in temporal ontology: ‘wave theory’. Like eternalists, wave theorists believe there are four-dimensional hunks of matter, but unlike the former, they deny that everyday objects are identical with those hunks. Instead, when the instantaneous temporal parts of the four-dimensional hunks become present, those temporal parts constitute the everyday objects; such objects move through time similar to how a wave moves through an ocean.
This paper argues that (at least a good number of) tensed theorists should find wave theory attractive. Section 1 introduces some terminology, and section 2 explains the basics of wave theory itself. Sections 3 and 4 compare wave theory to the most popular tensed theories (presentism, moving spotlight theory, and growing block theory), explaining wave theory's comparative appeal.
This paper argues that (at least a good number of) tensed theorists should find wave theory attractive. Section 1 introduces some terminology, and section 2 explains the basics of wave theory itself. Sections 3 and 4 compare wave theory to the most popular tensed theories (presentism, moving spotlight theory, and growing block theory), explaining wave theory's comparative appeal.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Number of pages | 21 |
Journal | Journal of the American Philosophical Association |
Early online date | 11 Apr 2022 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 11 Apr 2022 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:Copyright © The Author(s), 2022. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of the American Philosophical Association.
Keywords
- temporal ontology
- presentism
- growing block theory
- moving spotlight theory
- wave theory