KANTOVO I AJNŠTAJNOVO SHVATANJE VREMENA
Kant’s and Einstein’s concept of time

Summary/Abstract: In this paper, I analyze the similarities and differences between Kant’s and Einstein’s concept of time. I begin by examining their views on the ontological status of time, followed by their perspectives on the metric and topology of time. Finally, I focus on the question of temporal infinity and consider whether Einstein’s understanding of temporal topology might help resolve part of the problem posed by Kant’s first antinomy- the problem of the beginning of the world in time. I conclude that the relationship between their conceptions of time can be described as diametrically opposed: for Kant, time is absolute, while for Einstein, it is relative-dependent on space, the frame of reference, and the mass within it. Whereas Kant saw time as a form of intuition necessary for perception (transcendentally ideal), Einstein, as a realist, held that time possesses physical reality.

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