Extrinsic temporal metrics

In Dean Zimmerman (ed.), Oxford Studies in Metaphysics: Volume 5. Oxford University Press (2010)
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Abstract

When distinguishing absolute, true, and mathematical time from relative, apparent, and common time, Newton wrote: “absolute, true, and mathematical time, in and of itself and of its own nature, without reference to anything external, flows uniformly” [Newton 2004b: 64]. Newton thought that the temporal metric is intrinsic. Many philosophers have argued—for empiricist reasons or otherwise—that Newton was wrong about the nature of time. They think that the flow of time does involve “reference to something external.” They think that the temporal metric is extrinsic. Among others, Mach, Poincaré, and Grünbaum seem to accept this view.1 And these are not the only two views available. Perhaps both Newton and his opponents are wrong and there is no temporal metric at all.

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Bradford Skow
Massachusetts Institute of Technology

References found in this work

New work for a theory of universals.David K. Lewis - 1983 - Australasian Journal of Philosophy 61 (4):343-377.
New Work For a Theory of Universals.David Lewis - 1983 - In D. H. Mellor & Alex Oliver (eds.), Properties. Oxford University Press.
Natural laws in scientific practice.Marc Lange - 2000 - New York: Oxford University Press.
Space, Time, and Spacetime.Lawrence Sklar - 1974 - University of California Press.

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