Is the Past Determined (Necessary)? Cover Image

Is the Past Determined (Necessary)?
Is the Past Determined (Necessary)?

Author(s): Jan Woleński
Subject(s): Philosophy, Metaphysics
Published by: Towarzystwo Naukowe KUL & Katolicki Uniwersytet Lubelski Jana Pawła II
Keywords: past; future; logical square; incompleteness; bivalence

Summary/Abstract: This paper is inspired by Marcin Tkaczyk’s works and discusses the problem of the necessity of the past (is the past determined?) and its role in the analysis of future contingents. The discussion centers on the statements (accepted by Tkaczyk, but slightly paraphrased)) firstly, that every past state of affairs is determined, and, secondly, that at least some some future states of affairs are contingent. The paper argues that because the first assertion is not justified, the antinomy of future contingents does not arise. The argument uses modal and metalogical devices.

  • Issue Year: 66/2018
  • Issue No: 4EOV
  • Page Range: 183-195
  • Page Count: 13
  • Language: English
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