Abstract

Challenging the modern day assumption of a mind-independent world populated with separate entities, this book regards the universe as an interconnected whole from which we construct simplified patterns to aid our survival. Consistent with this fundamental perspective, time itself is described as one such man-made construction. The true nature of time remains one of the fascinating mysteries of modern philosophy. This book provides unique insight into time as an interconnected mixture of subjective, social and psychologically personal characteristics. Questions About Time contributes to the philosophy of time in three primary ways. For those who conclude that time is not real, this book provides a clear, consistent model for supporting that conclusion. In contrast, those who view time as a real entity will value the clearly articulated assumptions underlying the non-real case. The explicit list of assumptions provides, in one place, specific premises subject to attack in any quest opposing the non-real position. Furthermore, the book provides a representative list of 570 time-related questions that adequate views of time, real or not, are expected to answer. The detailed questions invite short, concise and consistent replies, which are supplied for the presented models as a demonstration of their use.