Four-Dimensionalism defends the thesis that the material world is composed of temporal as well as spatial parts. This defense includes a novel account of persistence over time, new arguments in favour of the four-dimensional ontology, and responses to the challenges four-dimensionalism faces.
Theodore Sider pays particular attention to the philosophy of time, including a strong series of arguments against presentism, the thesis that only the present is real. Arguments offered in favour of four-dimensionalism include novel arguments based on time travel, the debate beween spacetime substantivalists and relationalists, and vagueness. Also included is a comprehensive discussion of the paradoxes of coinciding material objects, and a novel resolution of those paradoxes based on temporal counterpart theory. In conclusion Sider replies to prominent objections to four-dimensionalism, including discussion of the problem of the rotating homogenous disk.
Four Dimensionalism is an original and highly readable study of the metaphysics of time and identity.
Les mer
Addressing the topics concerned with the metaphysics of time and identity over time, this book aims to defend the thesis that the material world is composed of temporal as well as spatial parts.
Introduction ; 1. The Four-Dimensional Picture ; 2. Against Presentism ; 3. Three- and Four-Dimensionalism Stated ; 4. In Favor of Four-Dimensionalism Part 1 ; 5. In Favor of Four-Dimensionalism Part 2: The Best Unified Theory of the Paradoxes of Coincidence ; 6. Arguments against Four-Dimensionalism ; Bibliography, Index
Les mer
`Dimensionally-challenged it may be, rigorous and analytic it certainly is, but many of the conclusions reached are startling ... His claim is that [four-dimensionalism] yields a more coherent ontology than any of its competitors. His defence of this claim is impressive: bold, clear, wide-ranging and fair-minded; it is the best of its kind on offer.'
Barry Dainton, Times Literary Supplement
Les mer
Winner of the 2003 American Philosophical Association Prize
an intriguing new theory of the nature of reality
clearly written and fun to read
an intriguing new theory of the nature of reality
clearly written and fun to read
