Beyond A-Theory and the Block Universe : A non-circular derivation of "before", change, and the local arrow of time

Abstract

This article proposes a “third way” in the philosophy of timebeyond A-theory and the block universe, in which time isunderstood as a purely local phenomenon. It does so by startingwith simple metaphysical assumptions about substances andtheir properties. Based on these assumptions, the notions of“before”, of change, and of time as local quantification of changecan be derived non-circularly, i.e. without invoking temporalconcepts. I then proceed to prove the irreversibility of local timeby showing that the propositional content of the local past cannotbe changed, since this would imply a contradiction, whereasthat of the future can. Time’s familiar asymmetric character,in particular the difference between the fixed past and the openor “branching” future, is therefore a non-illusory but purelylocal phenomenon. Such a model requires no past-present-futuredistinction valid for the entire cosmos, and is therefore consistentwith special and general relativity.