Single Idea 8591

[catalogued under 27. Natural Reality / D. Time / 2. Passage of Time / a. Experience of time]

Full Idea

It is universally admitted.... that there could be no time if nothing changed.

Gist of Idea

There could be no time if nothing changed

Source

J.M.E. McTaggart (The Nature of Existence vol.2 [1927], II p.11), quoted by Sydney Shoemaker - Time Without Change p.49

Book Reference

Shoemaker,Sydney: 'Identity, Cause and Mind' [OUP 2003], p.49


A Reaction

This is set up alongside Aristotle (Idea 8590) to be attacked by Shoemaker. I think Shoemaker is right, and that the rejection of McTaggart's view is a key result in modern metaphysics.

Related Idea

Idea 8590 Time does not exist without change [Aristotle]