First published in 1968, The Language of Time clarifies certain large-scale features of ordinary or common-sense concept of time by using linguistic analysis or ordinary language philosophy. The author does so by studying the language of time in its everyday employment. The book is divided into four parts. Part one explores McTaggart’s paradox and the language of time. Part two is devoted to A-Determinations and B-Relations and discusses the most central issue separating the A and B theories—the relation between tensed and tenseless discourse. Part three examines the logical asymmetries between the Past and the Future and Part four deals with the concept of temporal becoming. This book will be of interest to students and researchers of philosophy.
First published in 1968, The Language of Time clarifies certain large-scale features of ordinary or common-sense concept of time by using linguistic analysis or ordinary language philosophy. The author does so by studying the language of time in its everyday employment.
Preface Part One: McTaggarts Paradox
1. McTaggarts Paradox and the
language of time
2. The answers to McTaggarts Paradox Part Two:
A-Determinations and B-Relations
3. The criteria for A- and B-Statements
4.
The ineliminability of A-Determinations
5. The non-sensibility of
A-Determinations
6. The reduction of B-Relations to A-Determinations Part
Three: Logical Asymmetries between the Past and the Future
7. The
impossibility of bringing about the past
8. Future contingents
9. Future
individuals Part Four: The Objectivity of Temporal Becoming
10. A Priori
arguments for the subjectivity of becoming
11. Empirical arguments for the
subjectivity of becoming
Richard M. Gale was an American philosopher and Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at the University of Pittsburgh. He was known for defending the A-theory of time against the B-theory.
