Slavov, Matias (2022) Eternalism and the Problem of Hyperplanes. Ratio.

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Abstract

Eternalism is the view that the past, the present and the future exist simpliciter. A typical argument in favor of this view leans on the relativity of simultaneity. The ‘equally real with’ relation is assumed to be transitive between spacelike separated events connected by hyperplanes of simultaneity. This reasoning is in tension with the conventionality of simultaneity. Conventionality indicates that, even within a specific frame, simultaneity is based on the choice of the synchronization parameter. Hence the argument for eternalism is compromised. This paper lays out alternative eternalist strategies which do not hinge on hyperplanes. While we lack a rigorous proof for eternalism, there are still cogent reasons to prefer eternalism over presentism.

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Item Type:	Published Article or Volume
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Slavov, Matias matias.slavov@tuni.fi 0000-0001-8515-2449
Keywords:	eternalism; relativity of simultaneity; conventionality of simultaneity; philosophy of physics; metaphysics of time
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Physics > Relativity Theory
Depositing User:	Dr. Matias Slavov
Date Deposited:	13 Mar 2022 05:52
Last Modified:	13 Mar 2022 05:52
Item ID:	20330
Journal or Publication Title:	Ratio
DOI or Unique Handle:	10.1111/rati.12331
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Physics > Relativity Theory
Date:	2022
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/20330

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