Heather Dyke, Associate Professor of Philosophy at University of Otago NZ, discusses the illusion of time passing. Topics include A theory vs. B theory, metaphysical significance of the present moment, language's influence on temporal understanding, subjective time experience, and memories shaping time perception.
Time may not pass but rather exist stably in all moments simultaneously.
Accepting a static time theory promotes a sense of responsibility and conscious decision-making for the future.
Deep dives
A Theory vs. B Theory of Time
The podcast delves into the contrasting A theory and B theory of time. The A theory views time as dynamic and flowing, with a privileged present moment. In contrast, the B theory denies a mind-independent distinction between past, present, and future, suggesting all moments coexist without flow. The A theory aligns with common sense views, while the B theory aligns with scientific thinking, particularly special theory of relativity.
Temporal Experience and Linguistic Influence
The discussion highlights temporal experiences like time dilation in critical situations and the perception of time speeding up or slowing down. The podcast explores how our experience of time relates to attention shifts, memory, and linguistic influences. Different temporal experiences, such as diverse linguistic representations of time, can affect our understanding and perception of time.
Implications of B Theory on Free Will and Responsibility
The episode addresses the philosophical implications of the B theory on free will and responsibility. It clarifies how accepting the B theory, where time is static and all moments exist equally, does not conflict with free will. Understanding time as non-dynamic can enhance a sense of responsibility and the importance of making choices that shape future outcomes, emphasizing the need to live meaningfully and make conscious decisions.
Most of us experience time as something that passes, or flows like a river - or at least we think we do. Could it be that the sense of time passing is just an illusion? This week we're getting to grips with a theory of time that denies the reality of "flow" - and we're asking why time seems to speed up or slow down in certain situations.
Guest: Heather Dyke, Associate Professor of Philosophy, University of Otago NZ