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Single Idea 14761

[from 'The Nature of Existence vol.2' by J.M.E. McTaggart, in 7. Existence / B. Change in Existence / 1. Nature of Change ]

Full Idea

The fact that it is hot at one point in a series and cold at other points cannot give change, if neither of these facts change. If two points on a line have different properties, this doesn't give change.

Gist of Idea

Change is not just having two different qualities at different points in some series

Source

J.M.E. McTaggart (The Nature of Existence vol.2 [1927], 33.315-6), quoted by Theodore Sider - Four Dimensionalism 6.2

Book Reference

Sider,Theodore: 'Four Dimensionalism' [OUP 2003], p.213


A Reaction

[The second half compresses an example about the Meridian] This objection is aimed at Russell's view, that change is just different properties at different times. I (unlike Sider) am wholly with McTaggart on this one. Change is 'dynamic'.