The metaphysics of the Time-Machine

Schismenos Alexandros

doi:10.5958/2347-6869.2018.00014.6

The metaphysics of the Time-Machine

Authors

Alexandros Schismenos The University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8490-4223

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5958/2347-6869.2018.00014.6

Keywords:

Time travel, Time-Machine, Temporality, Ontology

Abstract

The concept of time-travel is a modern idea which combines the imaginary signification of rational domination, the imaginary signification of technological omnipotence, the imaginary concept of eternity and the imaginary desire for immortality.

It is a synthesis of central conceptual schemata of techno-science, such as the linearity and homogeneity of time, the radical separation of subjectivity from the world, the radical separation of the individual from his/her social-historical environment. The emergence of this idea, its spread during the 20^th century as a major theme of science fiction literature alongside its dissemination as a scientific hypothesis, its popularity with both the public and the scientific community, are indications of the religious role of techno-science.

It is my opinion, finally, that, as a chimera, time-travel is non-feasible and impossible.

In order to support my claims, I will briefly outline the origins of the time-travel concept and its epistemological and metaphysical/ontological conditions. If these conditions prove to be absurd, the logical impossibility of time-travel will have been demonstrated.

DOI: 10.5958/2347-6869.2018.00014.6

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Published

28-04-2019

How to Cite

Alexandros, S. (2019). The metaphysics of the Time-Machine. SOCRATES, 6(3 and 4), 37–53. https://doi.org/10.5958/2347-6869.2018.00014.6

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Issue

Vol. 6 No. 3 and 4 (2018): Issue : September and December

Section

Philosophy

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Research Papers published in SOCRATES are licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)