A-Theory of time vs B-theory of time

[SonofAletheia]

I wanted to hear all your thoughts on this. It would seem that if the B-theory of time were correct than arguments like the Kalam cosmological argument would fail. And it seems like many scientists and mathematicians believe in the B-theory
Where do you guys stand? And why?

-Justin

[RickD]

SonofAletheia,

Could you post your idea of the B-theory, so those reading can understand what you're asking? A link with a simple explanation will suffice.

Thanks

[Silvertusk]

A Theory of time is where the past is gone - the future has not happened and all that exist is the present.

The B Theory of time is that the past future and present all exist and all that is different is our perspective of it. So a person living in 1066AD exists just as we do in 2013. It is this theory that most of the time traveling films like to use.

I think the A theory is the correct one as there are many problems with the B. For instance the you in the future exists but is different from the you now. Plus if you committed a crime in the past - then that is not the same person as now - therefore it is hardly fair to prosecute you now for a crime that another you did in the past. William Lane Craig describes it well in his podcasts,

[SonofAletheia]

SonofAletheia,

Could you post your idea of the B-theory, so those reading can understand what you're asking? A link with a simple explanation will suffice.

Thanks

Here is a good video summarizing it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4Wx18K9jUE

As you can tell WLC does not go into any detail at all for supporting the A-theory

[RickD]

SonofAletheia,

Could you post your idea of the B-theory, so those reading can understand what you're asking? A link with a simple explanation will suffice.

Thanks

Here is a good video summarizing it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4Wx18K9jUE

As you can tell WLC does not go into any detail at all for supporting the A-theory

But you do understand that WLC agrees with the A theory, don't you? I think he was pretty clear on that.

So, at least according to WLC, the answer to your OP is yes, the KCA would fail. In fact, Craig says that in the video.

[SonofAletheia]

Definitely Rick. I've listened to most of his podcast and read much of his work. He even admits a B-theory would potentially refute the Kalam. I'm just wondering if there are good reasons to reject the B-theory and/or support the A-theory.
From the little I've looked into it the majority of scientists believe in the B-theory. On the other hand, the A-theory seems quite intuitive which counts in its favor.
I'm still agnostic towards it and was wondering what you guys thought.

[Kurieuo]

I wanted to hear all your thoughts on this. It would seem that if the B-theory of time were correct than arguments like the Kalam cosmological argument would fail. And it seems like many scientists and mathematicians believe in the B-theory
Where do you guys stand? And why?

-Justin

Many scientists and mathematicians aren't philosophers, so I suspect you're wrong on what they believe regarding time, if they even have a position (I dare say most would be agnostic).

A-theory all the way. Unless you can rid your language of tensed facts and still speak conherently of past, present and future events, then it seems the most intuitive position on time.

[RickD]

Kurieuo, speaking of time, is it true that in Australia, the hands on a clock move counter-clockwise?

[RickD]

And Kurieuo, what are you doing inside? It's 27C outside. Go out and enjoy the beautiful weather.

[Kurieuo]

Kurieuo, speaking of time, is it true that in Australia, the hands on a clock move counter-clockwise?

Only if looking at an analog clock from behind. Recommend reading clocks from the front.

A bit hard I suppose in the US when you're so far behind Australia.

[RickD]

Kurieuo, speaking of time, is it true that in Australia, the hands on a clock move counter-clockwise?

Only if looking at an analog clock from behind. Recommend reading clocks from the front.

A bit hard I suppose in the US when you're so far behind Australia.

I admit, you Australians are much more "evolved" than we Americans.

[Kurieuo]

And Kurieuo, what are you doing inside? It's 27C outside. Go out and enjoy the beautiful weather.

Yes, the suns finally out after being hidden for about two weeks.

Shame, I need to work at a computer. Please don't tell my boss. Oh hang on, I am the boss. Muahahaha.

Needed a distraction for a bit, and thought this place is a good distraction, especially since you post here.

[Kurieuo]

Kurieuo, speaking of time, is it true that in Australia, the hands on a clock move counter-clockwise?

Only if looking at an analog clock from behind. Recommend reading clocks from the front.

A bit hard I suppose in the US when you're so far behind Australia.

I admit, you Australians are much more "evolved" than we Americans.

Probably because we have more time on the earth...

[RickD]

Put a shrimp on the barbie for me.

Aussie Aussie Aussie, oi oi oi!

[Kurieuo]

Put a shrimp on the barbie for me.

Aussie Aussie Aussie, oi oi oi!

Shrimp on the Barbie

BarbieShrimp.JPG (66.77 KiB) Viewed 4953 times