Tense logic and time.

Lecture 2 : Time , tense , and tense - logic ∗

Tense Logic in Einstein-Minkowski Space-time

This paper argues that the Einstein-Minkowski space-time of special relativity provides an adequate model for classical tense logic, including rigorous definitions of tensed becoming and of the logical priority of proper time. In addition, the extension of classical tense logic with an operator for predicate-term negation provides us with a framework for interpreting and defending the significa...

Times in Tense Logic

Tense logic is often said to possess insufficient expressive resources to serve as a theory of the nature of time. This paper counters this objection by showing how to obtain quantification over times in a tense logic in which all temporal distinctions are ultimately spelled out in terms of the two simple tense operators “it was the case that” and “it will be the case that.” This account of tim...

Indexical Hybrid Tense Logic

In this paper we explore the logic of now, yesterday, today and tomorrow by combining the semantic approach to indexicality pioneered by Hans Kamp [9] and refined by David Kaplan [10] with hybrid tense logic. We first introduce a special now nominal (our @now corresponds to Kamp’s original now operator N) and prove completeness results for both logical and contextual validity. We then add propo...

Taking Times Out: Tense Logic as a Theory of Time

Ulrich Meyer’s fascinating book The Nature of Time uses a novel development of Arthur Prior’s tense logic to argue for a ‘modal’ account of time. Meyer’s metaphysical view requires tense primitivism (the view that truths are irreducibly tensed) and so, in Quine’s turn of phrase, trades ontology for ideology. Meyer’s temporal metaphysics eschews ontological commitment to temporal instants throug...