The Dominion of Time

Abstract

We explore the meaning of time by studying the notions of time inherent in the different physical theories, the different representations we have built of Nature, notably: Classical Mechanics of Newton, Special and General Relativity of Einstein, Quantum Mechanics, Cosmology, Complex Systems, String Theory, Quantum Gravity. We notice that the notions of time, originating from the different physical theories, are not identical. They range from absolute, rigid specifications of time, to internal, relational considerations of time. Considering a physical system as an information-processing system, we link time to the generation of information and innovation. We contrast the concepts of time derived within Modern Science to Peirce’s evolutionary metaphysics and Whitehead’s process philosophy. We attempt to bypass the old dichotomy being-becoming, by indicating the need for an “ontology in the temporal”, and suggesting temporality as a mode of existence (τρόπος υπάρξεως) of being.

Keywords: Process philosophy, relational time, modes of evolution, temporality, innovation time, Plato, Aristotle, Peirce, Whitehead, Newton, Einstein, quantum systems, cosmology, Christian theology.