Three Paradigm Theories of Time: Bergson, McTaggart, and Whitehead

Author:

Luft Eric v. d.

Abstract

Abstract The three theories considered here, real continuous time (Bergson), real serial time (Whitehead), and unreal time (McTaggart), are each in some sense a reaction to Hume’s theory of serial or “spatialized” time. Hence, Hume’s theory is elaborated on as a foundation for the discussion and comparison of the subsequent three. This brief excursion into the nature of time may help to illuminate the differences among these three and to suggest some of their possible implications, particularly with regard to (1) the existential difference between intuited or transcendent time and experienced or immanent time and (2) the qualitative or ontological difference between the eternal and the temporal.

Publisher

University of Illinois Press

Subject

General Earth and Planetary Sciences,General Engineering,General Environmental Science

Reference44 articles.

1. 1. The spatialization of time goes back to Aristotle. See Corish, “Aristotle’s,” “Aristotle.”

2. 2. Hume repudiates the Treatise in the “Advertisement” of the first section of An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding (83). However, even though there is no theory of time, space, succession, or extension as such in the first section of An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding, the few passing mentions of these topics in the later work (e.g., 7.6–8, 12.18–19) are consistent with what he says about them in the Treatise. Unless otherwise noted, citations from Hume are from the Treatise.

3. 3. Corish, “Continuum” 535n30. Despite Corish’s assertion that the temporal continuum is relational, divisible, and measurable, the main thrust of his paper is not Humean, but Leibnizian, quoting Leibniz favorably as to the preexistent reality of space and time (“Continuum,” 523).

4. 4. McTaggart, Nature, vol. 2, ch. 33; “Unreality” 9–31. That McTaggart does not mention Hume in this chapter is odd. See Gale; also Corish, “McTaggart’s,” “Time,” and “Earlier.”

5. 5. Hume (Treatise 1.2.4.1–2, 1.2.5.29) and McTaggart (Nature 11–12) are each quite clear on this point. See Corish, “Could.”

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