Philosophy of Time: The Basics

What is time? Does it pass? Is the future open? Why do we care? Philosophy of Time: The Basics doesn’t answer these questions. It does give you an opinionated introduction to thinking a bit more deeply about them. Written in a way that assumes no philosophical background from its readers, this book looks at central topics in philosophy of time and shows how they relate to other time-related topics – from theoretical physics (without the maths!) to your own mortality. Additional questions include:

• In what way is time different to space?
• How long is the present?
• Does the Theory of Relativity show time doesn’t pass?
• What makes time have a direction or ‘arrow’?
• Can you be harmed by your own death?

Allowing the reader to think more deeply about time, this book begins to untangle some of the most difficult knots in all of philosophy. It also provides practical advice to prospective time-travelers.

Graeme A. Forbes has been working on philosophy of time for over a decade. He was Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Kent before going freelance in 2022. He remains an Honorary Senior Lecturer at the University of Kent.