Philosophy
Current Students: Undergraduates
Directed Independent Study
PHI9X8 - McTaggart's argument against the reality of time
Electives
Electives are modules of Directed Independent Study. The work you do on such modules is ‘directed’ in the sense that guidance is provided by staff taking the module. However, the aim is that students should research independently on a topic or series of topics. The guidance is designed to encourage and assist you in this and provide you with feedback on your ideas.
McTaggart's argument against the reality of time
In a famous paper of 1908, J.M.E. McTaggart argued that there is no such thing as time, that the appearance of temporal order in the world is a mere appearance. Time exists, he claimed, only if there is genuine change, and there is genuine change only if there are such absolute properties as past, present and future. But, he further argued, there are no such properties. In this module we will seek to understand his argument and the various possible responses to it.
Coordinator Colin Johnston,
Room A69, Phone: x7966,
Teaching
There will be five two-hour meetings (roughly fortnightly). Classes take the form of interactive group tutorials, rather than the usual diet of lectures and seminars.
Reading
McTaggart's paper may be found at http://www.ditext.com/mctaggart/time.html. Other readings TBA.
Assessment
Two essays, totalling around 5,000-6,000 words. Titles and submission dates to be discussed with, and approved by, the module coordinator. No examination.
For further information about this module please contact Colin Johnston.