J. M. E. McTaggart
He argues that time is not real: past, present and future contradict each other, and without them there is no change.
Life
British philosopher (1866-1925), a fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge, and an heir of Hegel. His 1908 article argues that time is unreal, because the notions of past, present and future contradict each other. He distinguishes the A series (past, present, future) from the B series (earlier, later), a distinction still central to debates about time. He matters for the question of time.
Main works
Argues that time is unreal, since the A series is contradictory and change depends on it.
A large two-volume system of metaphysics (the second volume appeared in 1927).
A critical examination of beliefs such as immortality and providence.
In his own words
« It doubtless seems highly paradoxical to assert that Time is unreal, and that all statements which involve its reality are erroneous. »
« I believe that time is unreal. »
Positions
click a row to see the evidenceHe rejects a personal, creator God, while keeping a belief in immortality and in love as the heart of reality.
McTaggart, Some Dogmas of Religion (1906)
He builds his system by pure reasoning from a few self-evident principles, not from experience.
McTaggart, The Nature of Existence (1921-1927)
Reality is made only of spirits and their perceptions; matter does not exist as such (idealism).
McTaggart, The Nature of Existence (1921-1927)