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This book provides a new argument for the tensed theory of time and emergentism about the self. This argument derives in part from theories which establish our nature as rational and emotional beings whose behavior is responsive to reasons which are facts. It is argued that there must be reasons, hence facts, that can only be captured by tensed and/or first-personal language if our behavior is to be by and large rational and appropriate. This establishes the tensed theory of time and emergentism or dualism about the self, given the physical body can plausibly be fully described non-first-personally. In the course of this discussion the book also clarifies and defends a notion of fact and responds to McTaggart's paradox and Wittgenstein's private language argument.
List of contents
Chapter 1: Introduction.- PART I: INDEXICALS AND RATIONALITY.- Chapter 2: Tense and Emotions.- Chapter 3: Indexicals and Actions.- PART II: RATIONALITY.- Chapter 4: Reasons.- Chapter 5: Acting for a Reason.- Chapter 6: Rationality.- PART III: THE REALITY OF TENSE AND EMERGENCE OF THE SELF.- Chapter 7: The Argument from Rational Action.- Chapter 8: Implications for Non-indexical Cases.- Chapter 9: The Argument from Appropriate Emotions.- Chapter 10: Time and Self.- Chapter 11: Closing Remarks.
About the author
Olley Pearson is currently Teaching Fellow in the philosophy department at Durham University, UK, where he was previously a Research Fellow. He has published papers on various topics including the nature of time, the emotions, the first person, and emergence.
Summary
This book provides a new argument for the tensed theory of time and emergentism about the self. This argument derives in part from theories which establish our nature as rational and emotional beings whose behavior is responsive to reasons which are facts. It is argued that there must be reasons, hence facts, that can only be captured by tensed and/or first-personal language if our behavior is to be by and large rational and appropriate. This establishes the tensed theory of time and emergentism or dualism about the self, given the physical body can plausibly be fully described non-first-personally. In the course of this discussion the book also clarifies and defends a notion of fact and responds to McTaggart’s paradox and Wittgenstein’s private language argument.
