
The Unreality of Time
'The Unreality of Time' Summary
The argument for the unreality of time is popularly treated as a stand-alone argument that does not depend on any significant metaphysical principles (e.g. as argued by C. D. Broad 1933 and L. O. Mink 1960). R. D. Ingthorsson disputes this, and argues that the argument can only be understood as an attempt to draw out certain consequences of the metaphysical system that McTaggart presents in the first volume of The Nature of Existence (Ingthorsson 1998 & 2016).
It is helpful to consider the argument as consisting of three parts. In the first part, McTaggart offers a phenomenological analysis of the appearance of time, in terms of the now famous A- and B-series (see below for detail). In the second part, he argues that a conception of time as only forming a B-series but not an A-series is an inadequate conception of time because the B-series does not contain any notion of change. The A-series, on the other hand, appears to contain change and is thus more likely to be an adequate conception of time. In the third and final part, he argues that the conception of time forming an A-series is contradictory and thus nothing can be like an A-series. Since the A- and the B- series exhaust possible conceptions of how reality can be temporal, and neither is adequate, the conclusion McTaggart reaches is that reality is not temporal at all.
Book Details
Language
EnglishOriginal Language
EnglishPublished In
1908Authors

John McTaggart
England
John McTaggart Ellis McTaggart was an English idealist metaphysician. For most of his life McTaggart was a fellow and lecturer in philosophy at Trinity College, Cambridge. He was a...
Books by John McTaggartDownload eBooks
Listen/Download Audiobook
- Select Speed
Related books

Sonnets of John Keats by John Keats
This book presents a selection of sonnets by the English Romantic poet John Keats. It offers a glimpse into Keats's poetic mastery and his exploration...

Idle Days in Patagonia by William Henry Hudson
In 'Idle Days in Patagonia,' William Henry Hudson recounts his experiences in the rugged and captivating landscapes of Patagonia. Forced to rest afte...

Brook - Break, Break, Break - Sweet and Low - and The Eagle by Alfred, Lord Tennyson
This collection of four poems by Alfred, Lord Tennyson explores the themes of life, death, and the natural world. The poems are written in a lyrical a...

Carolina Chansons: Legends of the Low Country by DuBose Heyward
Carolina Chansons is a collection of poems by DuBose Heyward that celebrate the culture and history of Charleston and the South Carolina Lowcountry. H...

Стихи (Poems) by Dmitry Venevitinov
Dmitry Venevitinov's collection of poems showcases his exceptional talent and explores themes of love, nature, philosophy, grief, loss, and tragedy. D...

Rimas de dentro by Miguel de Unamuno
“Rimas de dentro” es una colección de poemas de Miguel de Unamuno, uno de los escritores más importantes de la literatura española. Los poemas abarcan...

For You by James Whitcomb Riley
This collection of poems by James Whitcomb Riley, known as the 'Hoosier Poet,' reflects the charm and simplicity of Midwestern life. Riley's verses ca...

Retrospection by George A. Baker, Jr.
This collection of poems explores the themes of retrospection, reflection, and memory. The poet, George A. Baker, Jr., looks back on his life and expe...

Secret of Everyday Things by Jean-Henri Fabre
Jean-Henri Fabre, known as the 'Homer of the Insect World,' explores the wonders of nature through meticulous observations and engaging anecdotes. Th...

Niagara by John Campbell
'Niagara' by John Campbell, Marquess of Lorne, offers a personal and insightful account of the author's travels to Niagara Falls in the 19th century....
Reviews for The Unreality of Time
No reviews posted or approved, yet...