The Moving Spotlight

An Essay on Time and Ontology

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Metaphysics, Science & Nature, Science
Cover of the book The Moving Spotlight by Ross P. Cameron, OUP Oxford
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Ross P. Cameron ISBN: 9780191022296
Publisher: OUP Oxford Publication: August 20, 2015
Imprint: OUP Oxford Language: English
Author: Ross P. Cameron
ISBN: 9780191022296
Publisher: OUP Oxford
Publication: August 20, 2015
Imprint: OUP Oxford
Language: English

Ross P. Cameron argues that the flow of time is a genuine feature of reality. He suggests that the best version of the A-Theory is a version of the Moving Spotlight view, according to which past and future beings are real, but there is nonetheless an objectively privileged present. Cameron argues that the Moving Spotlight theory should be viewed as having more in common with Presentism (the view that reality is limited to the present) than with the B-Theory (the view that time is just another dimension like space through which things are spread out). The Moving Spotlight view, on this picture, agrees with Presentism that everything is the way it is now, it simply thinks that non-present beings are amongst the things that are now some way. Cameron argues that the Moving Spotlight theory provides the best account of truthmakers for claims about what was or will be the case, and he defends the view against a number of objections, including McTaggart's argument that the A-Theory is inconsistent, and the charge that if the A-Theory is true but presentism false then we could not know that we are present. The Moving Spotlight defends an account of the open future—that what will happen is, as yet, undetermined—and argues that this is a better account than that available to the Growing Block theory.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Ross P. Cameron argues that the flow of time is a genuine feature of reality. He suggests that the best version of the A-Theory is a version of the Moving Spotlight view, according to which past and future beings are real, but there is nonetheless an objectively privileged present. Cameron argues that the Moving Spotlight theory should be viewed as having more in common with Presentism (the view that reality is limited to the present) than with the B-Theory (the view that time is just another dimension like space through which things are spread out). The Moving Spotlight view, on this picture, agrees with Presentism that everything is the way it is now, it simply thinks that non-present beings are amongst the things that are now some way. Cameron argues that the Moving Spotlight theory provides the best account of truthmakers for claims about what was or will be the case, and he defends the view against a number of objections, including McTaggart's argument that the A-Theory is inconsistent, and the charge that if the A-Theory is true but presentism false then we could not know that we are present. The Moving Spotlight defends an account of the open future—that what will happen is, as yet, undetermined—and argues that this is a better account than that available to the Growing Block theory.

More books from OUP Oxford

Cover of the book Minerals: A Very Short Introduction by Ross P. Cameron
Cover of the book David Copperfield by Ross P. Cameron
Cover of the book The Law of Nature Conservation by Ross P. Cameron
Cover of the book Taxation by Ross P. Cameron
Cover of the book The Ends of Life by Ross P. Cameron
Cover of the book Feeding the Democracy by Ross P. Cameron
Cover of the book Retrieval Medicine by Ross P. Cameron
Cover of the book Feminism: A Very Short Introduction by Ross P. Cameron
Cover of the book Why are Women more Religious than Men? by Ross P. Cameron
Cover of the book Global Cartels Handbook by Ross P. Cameron
Cover of the book Louise de la Vallière by Ross P. Cameron
Cover of the book Global Algorithmic Capital Markets by Ross P. Cameron
Cover of the book Self Impression by Ross P. Cameron
Cover of the book Oxford Handbook of Clinical Examination and Practical Skills by Ross P. Cameron
Cover of the book The Constitution of Freedom by Ross P. Cameron
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy