Zeno-machines and the metaphysics of time

Abstract

This paper aims to explore the nature of Zeno-machines by examining their conceptual coherence, from the perspective of contemporary theories on the passage of time. More specifically, it will analyse the following questions: Are Zeno-machines and supertasks coherent if we adopt the eternalist theory of time? What conclusions can be drawn from choosing the eternalist thesis, or the presentist thesis, when examining Zeno-machines? To this end, an overview of the opposing theories of time is provided, alongside the usual objections to Zeno-machines and their theoretical foundations from Zeno’s dichotomy paradox.

Keywords: Zeno-machines, philosophy of time, supertasks, Zeno’s paradox.