The Common Reader Rebecca Lowe: the container theory of time in On the Calculation of Volume
Nov 25, 2025
Rebecca Lowe, an analytic moral and political philosopher at the Mercatus Center, shares her insights on Solvej Balle’s philosophical novel, On the Calculation of Volume. They dive into the fascinating concept of the container theory of time, exploring how characters experience time differently—some age while others are caught in loops. Rebecca discusses the influence of philosophical training on literature interpretation, thought experiments embedded in narratives, and the moral implications of temporal asymmetry in relationships. It's a thought-provoking conversation connecting philosophy and fiction.
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Philosopher's Taste For Tight Prose
- Rebecca reads novels through a philosophical lens and values dry analytic clarity.
- She prefers writing that feels tight and beautiful without pausing to admire sentences.
Obsessive Quick Reads
- Rebecca read each volume quickly and obsessively, re-reading passages to think deeply.
- She described the books as tightly written and philosophically rich.
Novel As Argument For Container Time
- Solveig Balle's novels can be read as an argument for the container theory of time.
- Rebecca Lowe noticed the repeated use of the word "container" across the series as a deliberate signal.
