Loving It

First off, I just want to thank Josh for setting this blog up. I'm really excited to have the option of discussing philosophy ALL THE TIME. Just to to note, we will be posting what's been discussed at meetings, so even if you can't come, you'll be able to contribute, or at least see what's been rattling around in our minds.

Last Thursday, March 13th, we met and had a mix of administrative and philosophical discussion. I sent out an email to the listserv that should give you all an idea about the administrative stuff we discussed. That's not fun, though. So let me recount what we discussed of purely philosophical interest. I apologize if I get any of this wrong. Please correct where necessary.

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Luke started off by asking whether we were familiar with Ship of Theseus. The idea is that, as Theseus travels down a river in his wooden ship, its planks are replaced one by one with with metal ones, until the ship is all metal. Is this still the Ship of Theseus? Imagine these wooden planks being replaced are at the same time being put together another ship that is identical to the original. Is this actually the Ship of Theseus?

What do you think?

This lead us into discussing the nature of existence in time. I think actually saw Matt glow when we came to this subject. Think about it this way: Does yesterday exists? How about tomorrow? How about two seconds ago? If you say no, you'd be a presentist. Otherwise, we'd be dealing with a 4-dimensional universe, in which time exists as an actual existing dimension, just as space exists. Eternalists see all time as equally existing, that is, past and future and present. This is called the "block universe." Now, maybe you don't think the future exists, but that past time exists; this would be a growing block universe, meaning existence is always increasing with each passing moment. Some hold that the past doesn't exist, but the future does. Hmm. I have zero training in this area, and you may be in a similar situation, so what does your common sense tell you?

I'm curious to hear your responses to these questions!

Best,

Peter