Time and Physical Geometry. A Formalization of Putnam’s Proof
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/LLP.2019.021Keywords
time flow, eternalism, relativity, simultaneity, spacetimeAbstract
Putnam’s proof that time flow is incompatible with Relativity is underestimated, mostly due to Stein’s interpretation of the notion of reality in it as a two-term relation. This interpretation makes it vulnerable to easy criticism and makes various ways of escaping its conclusion possible. An alternative approach is proposed, resulting in a formalization which seems closer to Putnam’s intentions where reality is interpreted as a non-relational property. Although it makes the proof immune to all standard strategies of blocking the proof, it reveals its real weak point which consists in assuming an overly strong interpretation of the principle of relativity.References
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