Conceptual Foundations of the Philosophy of Time in the Light of Modern Scientific Discoveries

Abstract

The aim of the research is to analyze the evolution of the concept of time in philosophy and science, as well as to identify the main approaches to its understanding in different historical periods. Time is one of the most fundamental categories in philosophical and scientific discourse, which has undergone significant transformations over the centuries depending on changes in worldview paradigms and scientific discoveries. The study of this concept helps to understand how perceptions of the universe, nature, and the place of humanity within it have changed. Research methods include comparative analysis of philosophical concepts, a historical-genetic approach that traces the evolution of ideas about time, as well as interdisciplinary synthesis that integrates philosophical, physical, and cognitive aspects of the phenomenon under investigation. The application of these methods enables not only considering time as an abstract category but also evaluating it within the context of specific scientific and philosophical theories. The results of the research show that conceptions of time evolved from mythological and religious concepts of cyclicality to Newton’s mechanistic models, Leibniz’s relational approach, and Kant’s transcendental theory. In the early modern period, with the development of classical physics, time began to be considered an independent, absolute phenomenon that moves uniformly for all observers. However, further development of scientific theories, particularly Einstein’s theory of relativity and quantum mechanics, cast doubt on the absoluteness of time and pointed to its relative nature. These discoveries radically changed our understanding of time and its connection to space, while also presenting new challenges for philosophy.

In cognitive sciences and neurobiology, time is regarded as a subjective phenomenon, depending on consciousness, emotional state, and cognitive load. This discovery expands the possibilities for studying how people perceive time in different conditions and how this process depends on psychological factors. The conclusions of the research highlight that the concept of time is dynamic and changes in accordance with scientific progress and shifts in worldview. Time remains one of the most important issues in philosophy, physics, and cognitive sciences, indicating its interdisciplinary significance. Further research may focus on the integration of classical and modern approaches to temporality, as well as the exploration of its connection to technological progress and social dynamics.