Time

Abstract

This thesis discusses some views on the reality of time, where time is conceived primarily in terms of the Past, the Present and the Future. Throughout it is assumed that time involves change. The discussion examines and develops various suggestions put forward by Augustine in Book xi of his Confessions. While Augustine set out to defend the view that time is real, his definition of the Past, the Present and the Future made it impossible for him to account for the reality of, among other things, change. The issue of the reality of time occupied prominent philosophers in the early part of the 20th Century. The central figure in this debate was McTaggart. His view in The Nature of Existence is discussed in some detail, with responses to him by Broad and Russell. Later contributions to the debate are made by Dummett, who finds neither McTaggart's arguments nor Broad's criticisms conclusive, and by Prior. Prior rejects the reality of temporal passage and his critique of Russell is examined. The thesis concludes by returning to the issues raised by Augustine via a review of what has been said earlier.