Time, causation and the laws of nature: combining the growing block view with a Humean theory of laws

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Yang, SX, 2019. Time, causation and the laws of nature: combining the growing block view with a Humean theory of laws. PhD, Nottingham Trent University.

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Abstract

In this thesis I have two main concerns. The first is with the metaphysics of time, and the second is with the metaphysics of causation and laws. First, with regard to the metaphysics of time, I consider all the extant metaphysical view - (i) presentism, (ii) B-theory eternalism, (iii) the moving spotlight view, and (iv) the growing block view. By considering the historial and current literature on these topics in detail I argue that each of (i)-(iii) should be rejected, but that (iv) should be accepted. Then, with regard to the metaphysics of causation and law, by considering the arguments of David Hume, I argue in favour of a Humean view according to which the laws of nature supervene upon the temporal extent of what exists. This will then provide a challenge: can the growing block view of time be combined with the Humean view of causation and law? I finish by arguing that, despite the fact some have thought it problematic, these two views can be combined. I develop a novel account of how this is to be done, which I argue is the most satisfying account that has so far been given. In this thesis I thus defend growing block Humeanism, a unified view of time, causation and the laws of nature.

Item Type:	Thesis
Creators:	Yang, S.X.
Date:	March 2019
Divisions:	Schools > School of Arts and Humanities
Record created by:	Linda Sullivan
Date Added:	15 Oct 2020 14:04
Last Modified:	31 May 2021 15:15
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/41325