The Unreality of Time

John McTaggart Ellis McTaggart

May 2022 · DigiCat

About this ebook

In 'The Unreality of Time' by John McTaggart Ellis McTaggart, the author delves into the philosophical concept of time and offers a compelling argument that challenges our conventional understanding of it. Through a series of rigorous and thought-provoking analyses, McTaggart argues that time is ultimately an illusion, a complex and contradictory notion that cannot be fully reconciled with our experience of the world. This landmark work is written in a dense and scholarly style, typical of early 20th-century philosophical discourse, making it a challenging but rewarding read for those interested in the nature of time and reality. John McTaggart Ellis McTaggart, a prominent British philosopher, was known for his work in metaphysics and the philosophy of mind. His exploration of the nature of time in this book was influenced by his deep engagement with the writings of other philosophers such as Kant and Hegel, as well as his own original insights and intellectual curiosity. For readers seeking a profound and intellectually stimulating exploration of the nature of time, 'The Unreality of Time' is a seminal work that offers a fresh perspective on this timeless philosophical puzzle.

About the author

John McTaggart Ellis McTaggart (1866-1925) was a notable British idealist metaphysician, hailing from an era when philosophy indulged deeply in questions of ontology and the structure of reality. His seminal works etched a significant imprint on early 20th-century philosophy, focusing on the philosophical exploration of time, reality, and existence. McTaggart's most distinguished contribution, 'The Unreality of Time', posits a contentious and revolutionary thesis that time is illusory, which has stirred debates and discussions among philosophers and scholars for generations. His writing is characterized by meticulous argumentation and a distinctive style that melds rigorous logical analysis with the passion of a philosopher soaring after truth. Through 'The Unreality of Time', McTaggart challenged the temporal underpinnings of human experience, arguing that time is a mere appearance and not a fundamental aspect of reality. He has influenced a range of thinkers, both contemporaries and successors, who have grappled with his provocative ideas. McTaggart's contributions extend to his encompassing work on Hegel's philosophy and his own metaphysical system, which he elaborated upon in his two-volume magnum opus, 'The Nature of Existence'. Thus, McTaggart remains an emblematic figure in the field of metaphysics and the philosophy of time, imprinting his distinctive views upon the intellectual landscape of his discipline.