No time for powers. Issue 9 (26th November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Backmann, Marius
• Is Part Of: Inquiry. Volume 62:Issue 9/10(2019)
• Page Start: 979
• Page End: 1007
• Publication Date: 2019-11-26
• Subjects: Temporal ontology -- powers -- eternalism -- moving spotlight -- growing block view -- presentism; Philosophy -- Periodicals; Social sciences -- Philosophy -- Periodicals; Philosophy -- Periodicals; Social Sciences -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; Philosophie -- Périodiques; Sciences sociales -- Philosophie -- Périodiques; 105
• DOI: 10.1080/0020174X.2018.1470569
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-174X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In this paper, I will investigate the compatibility of different metaphysics of time with the powers view. At first sight, it seems natural to combine some sort of powers ontology with a dynamical view of time, since the dynamic character of powers appears to account for the progression of time. Accordingly, it has been argued that a powers ontology, which is supposed to be inherently dynamic and productive, is incompatible with eternalism, which does not allow for any sort of real productivity. After having reviewed these arguments, I will argue that the powers view is not only incompatible with eternalism but also with the moving spotlight view and growing block theory. I will go on to argue that the specific notion of activity that the powers ontology provides is not straightforwardly compatible with presentism either.