`The future is a touchstone for our attitudes to time and reality, to causality and freedom, to responsibility and creativity. If we believe that the future exists in just the same way as the present and past do, we have a simple and economical view of reality, but one in which many of the characteristic features of time are lacking, in which there is nothing to pick out the present "now", or to give a sense of becoming, in which freedom is an illusion, everything will be as it will be, and there is nothing new under the ...
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`The future is a touchstone for our attitudes to time and reality, to causality and freedom, to responsibility and creativity. If we believe that the future exists in just the same way as the present and past do, we have a simple and economical view of reality, but one in which many of the characteristic features of time are lacking, in which there is nothing to pick out the present "now", or to give a sense of becoming, in which freedom is an illusion, everything will be as it will be, and there is nothing new under the sun. If, on the other hand, we believe that the past and present exist but not the future, except as some set of tenuous possibilities, then we begin to understand why the past is unalterable and the future open, and have a view of reality that acounts for the peculiar status of the present and our sense of time as becoming.' Does the future exist? If it does, how can we decide what it is going to be? If it does not, how can we talk about it at all? In discussing these questions J. R. Lucas has to offer answers also to questions about the nature of time, of reality and of truth. He considers theological determinism as an especially understandable version of fatalism, and suggests a new analysis of knowledge and foreknowledge. Modal logic is introduced from a new point of view, and developed to include tense logic, for which a special semantics - `Tree semantics' - is worked out, so as to clear up confusions, and resolve traditional problems. The book is aimed at philosophers of science and religion and general philosophy, especially in US where sophistication in this area is higher.
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Seller's Description:
Good. All orders are dispatched within 1 working day from our UK warehouse. Established in 2004, we are dedicated to recycling unwanted books on behalf of a number of UK charities who benefit from added revenue through the sale of their books plus huge savings in waste disposal. No quibble refund if not completely satisfied.
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Seller's Description:
This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside. This book has hardback covers. In good all round condition. Dust jacket in good condition. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item, 500grams, ISBN: 9780631166597.
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Seller's Description:
First edition first impression 1989. x+245 pages. Cloth. Very good indeed in grubby marked and worn dustjacket. `The future is a touchstone for our attitudes to time and reality, to causality and freedom, to responsibility and creativity. If we believe that the future exists in just the same way as the present and past do, we have a simple and economical view of reality, but one in which many of the characteristic features of time are lacking, in which there is nothing to pick out the present "now", or to give a sense of becoming, in which freedom is an illusion, everything will be as it will be, and there is nothing new under the sun. If, on the other hand, we believe that the past and present exist but not the future, except as some set of tenuous possibilities, then we begin to understand why the past is unalterable and the future open, and have a view of reality that acounts for the peculiar status of the present and our sense of time as becoming. ' Does the future exist? If it does, how can we decide what it is going to be? If it does not, how can we talk about it at all? In discussing these questions J. R. Lucas has to offer answers also to questions about the nature of time, of reality and of truth. He considers theological determinism as an especially understandable version of fatalism, and suggests a new analysis of knowledge and foreknowledge. Modal logic is introduced from a new point of view, and developed to include tense logic, for which a special semantics-`Tree semantics'-is worked out, so as to clear up confusions, and resolve traditional problems.
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Seller's Description:
Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used textbooks may not include companion materials such as access codes, etc. May have some wear or writing/highlighting. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
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Seller's Description:
Fair. Connecting readers with great books since 1972. Used textbooks may not include companion materials such as access codes, etc. May have condition issues including wear and notes/highlighting. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
