Time Travel

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how there are numerous debates on the topics surrounding time travel theory and how most arguments about time travel arise because of conflicting opinions in philosophical thought, regarding the mechanics of time and the constitution of 'logical possibility'. It looks at how classical time travel theorists such as David Lewis have attempted to demonstrate the intricate logics of travelling in space-time and changing the past and how subsequently constructed theories as well as early perspectives of 'time' have not incurred a change in the position that time travel is possible. The paper seeks to explore a few of the plethora of well-debated aspects of time and related time travel theory.

Outline:
Time Travel Paradoxes
The Question of Persistence
Presentism's Problems with Tme and Time Travel
Dynamism and Time Loops
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Is it possible to travel back in time to kill one's evil grandfather? While Lewis (1976) does not rule out the possibility of travelling in time, the paradoxes involved in time travel lead to odd- but not impossible, outcomes. In Lewis's famous Grandfather Paradox, Tim uses a time travel machine to go back in time in order to murder his grandfather. Possible storylines are outlined; however, they all lead to the conclusion that despite all possible conceptions, no one can go back in time to change the past. Certainly, Tim cannot kill his grandfather simply because Tim exists. If he were successfully able to eliminate his grandfather, a paradox where he (Tim) both exists and does not exist, would result. Even if branching time were possible, Tim's grandfather would die in one branch, but survive in another branch in time. Thus, Lewis demonstrates that it is logically impossible to change the past. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Chambers, T. 1999. Discussion: How not to defuse the principal paradox. Ratio 12:296-301.
• Dowe, P. Every now and then: A-theories of time and loops in time. Forthcoming Journal of Philosophy.
• Effingham, N., and Melia, J. 2007. Endurantism and timeless worlds. Analysis 67:140-147.
• Forrest, P. 2004. The real but dead past: A reply to Braddon-Mitchell. Analysis 64:358-362.
• Goddu, G.C. 2003. Time travel and changing the past: (Or how to kill yourself and live to tell the tale). Ratio 16:16-32.

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