Exploring the mysteries of time, we shall question what it means to exist in time, and ask whether time is another dimension, like the three dimensions of space. According to Einstein, there is no such thing as absolute time. So what do we mean by the passage of time, the direction of time? Can time be recaptured, replayed, or is all time unredeemable? Is time travel possible? Our speakers will also discuss whether time as described by the theory of relativity squares with time as experienced by you and me. How exactly do we make sense of “now”, the past and future events, and the idea of eternity? How can we explain the relationship between objective and subjective time, time and causation, the irruption of subjectivity and intentionality into a material universe driven by universal laws?
Raymond Tallis will give a 15-minute opening provocation drawing on his new book Of Time and Lamentation: Reflections on Transience, which seeks to reconcile scientific and humanistic views of humanity by putting human consciousness at the heart of time. Then Guido D’Amico and Norman Sieroka shall each give five-minute replies, before Angus Kennedy opens up the discussion and invites the audience to engage.
