Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

presentism

Noun

/ˈprɛz.ənt.ɪ.zəm/

Definition

The philosophical doctrine that only present objects and events exist.

Examples

The theory of presentism suggests that time is experienced as a continuous present.
In discussions about time travel, presentism is often contrasted with eternalism, which considers past and future events as equally real.

Meaning

Presentism asserts that the present moment is the only time that can be known and verified, while the past and future are unsubstantiated concepts that do not exist in any tangible form.