Beyond the Dynamic-Static Dichotomy: Reshaping the Landscape of Metaphysics of Time through the Works of Jenann Ismael and Sebastian Rödl

Abstract

In this thesis, I explore the dichotomic dispute in (analytic) philosophy regarding the fundamental nature of time, specifically whether its supposedly essential features such as change, tense and flow are real/objective (static view) or if they are reducible to something atemporal, or even illusory (dynamic view). I do so by taking a close look into the works of two contemporary philosophers with inventive ideas about the metaphysics of time: Jenann Ismael, who works on the same grounds that this dichotomy is currently articulated — naturalist metaphysics—, and Sebastian Rödl, who addresses the same issue from another perspective — a mix of neo-Kantianism and Hegelianism. Both authors will show in their respective manners how the dichotomy between the 'dynamic' and 'static' views can be overcome, and both pay particular attention to the role of the agent/subject who lives in time and thinks temporally. My initial goal of finding a common ground to combine Ismael's and Rödl's views will prove impossible as I dig into the fundamental assumptions that ground their works and make them irreconcilable. I will finish my thesis with a reflection on the relevance of taking the role of subject into account when doing any kind of metaphysics and an evaluation of how meaningful these relatively recent theories should be to the field.