The Language of Time

First published in 1968, The Language of Time clarifies certain large-scale features of ordinary or common-sense concept of time by using linguistic analysis or ordinary language philosophy. The author does so by studying the language of time in its everyday employment. The book is divided into four parts. Part one explores McTaggart's paradox and the language of time. Part two is devoted to A-Determinations and B-Relations and discusses the most central issue separating the A and B theories-the relation between tensed and tenseless discourse. Part three examines the logical asymmetries between the Past and the Future and Part four deals with the concept of temporal becoming. This book will be of interest to students and researchers of philosophy.

Richard M. Gale was an American philosopher and Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at the University of Pittsburgh. He was known for defending the A-theory of time against the B-theory.

Preface Part One: McTaggart's Paradox 1. McTaggart's Paradox and the language of time 2. The answers to McTaggart's Paradox Part Two: A-Determinations and B-Relations 3. The criteria for A- and B-Statements 4. The ineliminability of A-Determinations 5. The non-sensibility of A-Determinations 6. The reduction of B-Relations to A-Determinations Part Three: Logical Asymmetries between the Past and the Future 7. The impossibility of bringing about the past 8. Future contingents 9. Future individuals Part Four: The Objectivity of Temporal Becoming 10. A Priori arguments for the subjectivity of becoming 11. Empirical arguments for the subjectivity of becoming