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Philosophy of Time - PHI00008I

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  • Department: Philosophy
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. David Ingram
  • Credit value: 10 credits
  • Credit level: I
  • Academic year of delivery: 2020-21
    • See module specification for other years: 2019-20

Module summary

In this module we will consider some of the following central questions about time. Is time unreal? Can there be time without change? What is the fundamental nature of temporal reality? Is the present moment ontologically special (e.g. is it that only present things exist), or do all actual times, past, present, and future, have equal standing? Does time flow?

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching cycle
A Spring Term 2020-21

Module aims

To introduce a specialist area of philosophy, in this case the metaphysics of time.

Module learning outcomes

To introduce students to some of the central philosophical questions concerning the nature of time, and enable students to engage critically with recent discussion

Module content

In this module we will consider some of the following central questions about time. Is time unreal? Can there be time without change? What is the fundamental nature of temporal reality? Is the present moment ontologically special (e.g. is it that only present things exist), or do all actual times, past, present, and future, have equal standing? Does time flow?

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Philosophy of Time		 N/A 100

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

The formative assessment consists of a 1,500-word essay, due in Week 8 of the Spring Term.

The summative assessment consists of a 1-hour exam during the Common Assessment Period of the Summer Term (Weeks 5 - 7).

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Philosophy of Time		 N/A 100

Module feedback

Written feedback will be provided on formative work 2 weeks after submission.
Written feedback on assessed summative work will be available 4 weeks after submission.

Indicative reading

McTaggart, J. M. E. 1908: 'The Unreality of Time'. Mind, 17, pp. 457-74.

Prior, Arthur N. 1968: 'Changes in Events and Changes in Things', in his Papers on Time and Tense (Oxford: OUP). Reprinted in Robin Le Poidevin and Murray MacBeath (eds), The Philosophy of Time. Oxford, OUP, 1993, pp. 35-46.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.