Philosophy Dictionary of ArgumentsHome
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| Four Dimensionalism, Philosophy: The so-called four-dimensionalism is represented by a coordinate system with three space axes and one time axis. The coordinate system represents events by a point, indicating position in space and point in time. Perpetual objects are represented by extended lines. The path of these lines correspond to the object’s changes in space. The thickness of these lines corresponds to the size of the object. By way of cross sections of these world lines (objects and their passage of time), the so-called time slices, the momentary state of the objects can be found. The time slice of a person is not flat, but identical with the person in a moment. See also coordinate system, image, representation, space-time, time, space, change, motion, reference systems._____________Annotation: The above characterizations of concepts are neither definitions nor exhausting presentations of problems related to them. Instead, they are intended to give a short introduction to the contributions below. – Lexicon of Arguments. | |||
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J.E.M. McTaggart on Four-Dimensionalism - Dictionary of Arguments
Geach I 304 Time/Change/McTaggart/Geach: Time is in any case untenable as a mere fourth dimension! For example, according to this view, the different temperatures of a fire-hook would be the same as different temperatures at different points of the time axis of the fire-hook. McTaggart: that would no longer be a change in temperature as it would be a variation of the temperature along the length of the fire hook itself. This also applies to other changes. E.g. This is also the case when you look at the acceleration curve of a car and find that there is a step when putting in the third gear. This problem is thus documented and traceable again. It is no longer anecdotal but can be analyzed. Geach: For example, the growth of a human being would be viewed as the running of a four-dimensional body along its time axis, but there cannot be change stated here. Change/four-dimensional space-time/Geach: Change is outright abolished here. The change is reduced to a mere variation of attributes between parts of a whole. Change/McTaggertVsFour-dimensional spacetime: no change means no time! I 305 The speech of a time axis is inadequate under these assumptions. This view obliges us to say that time is an illusion. In the four-dimensional absolute reality, there is an arrangement of four-dimensional things that do not change. In our experience there are three-dimensional bodies that are subject to change. >Time, >Present, >Past, >Future._____________Explanation of symbols: Roman numerals indicate the source, arabic numerals indicate the page number. The corresponding books are indicated on the right hand side. ((s)…): Comment by the sender of the contribution. Translations: Dictionary of Arguments The note [Concept/Author], [Author1]Vs[Author2] or [Author]Vs[term] resp. "problem:"/"solution:", "old:"/"new:" and "thesis:" is an addition from the Dictionary of Arguments. If a German edition is specified, the page numbers refer to this edition. |
Gea I P.T. Geach Logic Matters Oxford 1972 |
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> Counter arguments against McTaggart
> Counter arguments in relation to Four-Dimensionalism
Ed. Martin Schulz, access date 2024-04-20