New Directions in the Russellian Theory of Time

Emiliano Boccardi is Visiting Professor at the Federal University of Bahia, Brazil.L. Nathan Oaklander is Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at the University of Michigan-Flint, USA.Erwin Tegtmeier is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Mannheim, Germany.

The main debates in the philosophy of time have centred on whether A-theory, with events ordered by pastness, presentness and futurity, or B-theory, ordered by earlier than or later than, are equally fundamental. Emiliano Boccardi, L. Nathan Oaklander and Erwin Tegtmeier instead uphold the Russellian theory, or R-theory, and consider not only the fundamental differences but also its superiority. They argue McTaggart's misinterpretation of Russell has led to a false dichotomy between the A- and B-theories, while exploring the connection between temporal relations, temporal facts and time.In defence of the R-theory, they argue how it offers a metaphysical explanation of the nature of time, in addition to investigating whether ontological theories of time can be considered from a moral or existential point of view. Using an ontological approach, this volume clarifies what is mistaken about both theories can only be resolved by adopting a Russellian philosophy, reaching beyond the A-theory vs B-theory debate.

PrefaceIntroductionPart I What is the R-theory?1. On the Difference between Temporal Ontology and the Ontology of Time. - E. Boccardi and L. N. Oaklander2. Does Analytic Philosophy Rest on a Mistake? - L. N. Oaklander3. The Senseless Direction of Time: The Ontology of Temporal Relations. - E. Boccardi4. A Russellian Ontology of Time - E. Tegtmeier5. McTaggart's Error: Temporal Change - E. Tegtmeier6. Three Flawed Distinctions in the Philosophy of Time - E. TegtmeierPart II A Defense of the R-theory7. The Intelligibility of the R-theory - L. N. Oaklander8. The Mind-Independence of Passage - L. N. Oaklander9. Be Careful What You Wish For: A Reply to Craig - L. N. Oaklander10. An R-theoretic Critique of (Moderate) Presentism - L. N. Oaklander11. The Alleged Moral Desirability of Presentism? - L. N. OaklanderConclusionAppendix: On the Experience of Time B. Russell