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Single Idea 14762

[from 'Four Dimensionalism' by Theodore Sider, in 9. Objects / E. Objects over Time / 5. Temporal Parts ]

Full Idea

The sensible four-dimensionalist will claim that current temporal parts are caused to exist by previous temporal parts. The laws that govern this process are none other than the familiar laws of motion.

Gist of Idea

Four-dimensionalism says temporal parts are caused (through laws of motion) by previous temporal parts

Source

Theodore Sider (Four Dimensionalism [2001], 6.3)

Book Reference

Sider,Theodore: 'Four Dimensionalism' [OUP 2003], p.217


A Reaction

I keep struggling with the instantaneous natural of temporal parts, and now I find that they have to do the job of being causal relata. When do they do their job? They've gone home before they've finished clocking in. Continuance requires motion?