The Philosophy of Time

6 unitsIn PersonNot offered

School of Philosophy · ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences

About this course

What is time? Does time exist? How does our experience of time relate to time in science? How does time pass? What is ‘the present’ and is it special somehow? Does time have a direction? Is there any real difference between past and future? What is the connection between time and space? How is time travel possible? This course will provides an overview of some of the important issues in philosophical and scientific discussions about the nature of time.

Learning outcomes

1Identify philosophical issues about time.
2Understand and explain puzzles about how time appears in our experience and in science.
3Evaluate some rival philosophical theories of time.
4Understand arguments for and against contentious views in the philosophy of time.
5Articulate positions and arguments in discussions.

Study expectations

Study information

130 hours of total student learning time made up from: a) 36 hours of contact over 12 weeks: 24 hours of lectures and 12 hours of workshop and workshop-like activities. b) 94 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.

Course essentials

Academic year: 2026
Course subject: PHIL
Subject name: Philosophy
Academic career: UGRD
School: School of Philosophy
College: ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences
Convener: Not listed
Delivery: In Person
Unit value: 6 units
EFTSL: 0.125
Last source update: Not listed

View the ANU course source

Fees

Domestic fee paying students: Domestic · 2026 · Course basis; $4,500
International fee paying students: International · 2026 · Course basis; $5,820
Student Contribution Band Code 14: Commonwealth supported · 2026; ANU contribution-band code 14

Areas and attributes

Areas of interest

Philosophy