time travel introduction
definitions External time is the ordering of events as given by an objective historian. Personal time is the ordering of events as experienced by a particular individual. A time traveler is someone whose personal time diverges from external time.
definitions A state of affairs is practically possible iff it is consistent with our abilities. A state of affairs is physically possible iff it is consistent with the laws of pyhsics. A state of affairs is metaphysically possible iff it is consistent with the laws of metaphysics. A state of affairs is logically possible iff it is consistent with the laws of logic.
the simple argument 1. In one minute, we will have traveled into the future. 2. If (1), then time travel is possible. 3. [So] Time travel is possible.
the time zone argument 1. It is possible to travel from eastern Kentucky to western Kentucky in under an hour. 2. If (1), then time travel is possible. 3. [So] Time travel is possible.
the anthropogenisis argument 1. We know that humans (homo sapiens) first appeared about 2 million years ago. 2. If (1), then we know that no humans appeared in the Jurassic period. 3. If we know that no humans appeared in the Jurassic period, then we know that time travel is impossible. 4. [So] [We know that] Time travel is impossible.
the “noseeum” argument 1. There have never been any reports of time travelers appearing throughout human history. 2. If (1) then time travel is probably impossible. 3. [So] Time travel is probably impossible.