Theories of Time and Existence

The video explores four theories of time: Presentism, Growing Block, Eternalism, and Moving Spotlight. Each theory is examined through three components: temporal ontology, A or B theory, and temporal passage. Presentism and Growing Block are A theories, emphasizing dynamic change, while Eternalism is a B theory, viewing time as static. The Moving Spotlight theory combines elements of both, suggesting a dynamic property of being present.

What are the three sub-theories involved in a theory of time?

• Temporal ontology, A-theory vs B-theory, and temporal passage

• Past, present, and future

• Static, dynamic, and eternal

• Ontology, epistemology, and metaphysics

According to Presentism, which events exist?

• All past, present, and future events

• Only present events

• Only past events

• Only future events

How does Presentism view temporal passage?

• As a static fact

• As a permanent state

• As a dynamic change

• As an illusion

What is a key difference between Presentism and the Growing Block Theory?

• Growing Block Theory includes past events as existing

• Presentism includes all events as existing

• Presentism includes future events as existing

• Growing Block Theory denies the existence of present events

In the Growing Block Theory, what is the status of future events?

• They exist alongside past events

• They exist only in the present

• They do not yet exist

• They are illusions

What does Eternalism assert about the existence of events?

• Only past events exist

• Only present events exist

• All events exist eternally

• Future events do not exist

How does Eternalism view temporal passage?

• As a dynamic change

• As a future event

• As a static fact

• As an illusion

What distinguishes the Moving Spotlight Theory from Eternalism?

• It includes only present events

• It denies the existence of past events

• It views time as static

• It posits an A-theory

In the Moving Spotlight Theory, what changes over time?

• The future events

• The existence of past events

• The property of being present

• The events themselves

What is the metaphor used in the Moving Spotlight Theory?

• A static block

• A growing tree

• A spotlight passing over events

• A moving train