Pure shape dynamics, self-subsisting structures, and the nature of time

TL;DR

This paper explores how Pure Shape Dynamics offers a relational perspective on the nature of time, emphasizing self-subsisting structures and their implications for metaphysics.

Contribution

It introduces a relational framework for understanding time through Pure Shape Dynamics and exemplifies it with a Newtonian-particle toy model.

Findings

Shapes interpreted as self-subsisting structures

Relational model offers new metaphysical insights

Toy model illustrates the relational approach

Abstract

The paper discusses the possible implications of the relational framework of Pure Shape Dynamics for the metaphysics of time. The starting point of the analysis is an interpretation of shapes in ontic structural realist terms, which gives rise to the notion of self-subsisting structure. The relational version of a Newtonian-particle toy model is introduced and discussed as a concrete example.