The link between time, totality, and determinism (or why the problem of determinism is really the problem of fatalism)
Jenann Ismael (University of Arizona)

March 2, 2018, 10:30am - 12:00pm
The Rotman Institute of Philosophy, Western University

Western Interdisciplinary Research Building, Room 4190
1151 Richmond Street North
London N6A 5B7
Canada

This will be an accessible event, including organized related activities

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Abstract: The problem of fatalism was around long before relativity, but gained affirmation in many peoples minds from Relativity. Relativistic theories confront us with a vision of the universe from a temporally transcendent standpoint, i.e., one that treats time as an internal parameter in the universe composed of events.

The problem of determinism also had some early precedents, but received a precise expression with the provision of the Newtonian deterministic equations of motion.

On the face of it, these seem like different problems: one has to do with time, the other with laws. And it seems that one can be a fatalist without being a determinist, and one can worry about determinism without being moved by the fatalist arguments.

I will point out a connection between these two problems by linking determinism to totality and totality to transcendence. And I will look at what that connection can teach us about the nature of both problems.

Join the Rotman Institute for a talk by Dr. Jenann Ismael (University of Arizona). Her work is in the fields of philosophy of physics, as well as mind, cognition, phenomenology, and the nature of perspective.

Attendance is free, but for planning purposes advance registration is requested. Register to attend, and see more details at rotman.uwo.ca.

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March 2, 2018, 9:00am EST

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