The concept of time having a "future" and a "past" is a fundamental aspect of our human perception and experience of the world. We perceive time as a progression of events from what we consider the past to the present and into the future. This perception of time is deeply ingrained in our daily lives and influences how we plan, remember, and navigate through the world.
There are a few reasons why we presume time works in this way:
Observational evidence: We observe changes in our environment and in ourselves over time. We witness cause-and-effect relationships, where events in the past lead to consequences in the future. Our experience of the world is built upon these observations, reinforcing the notion of time having a past, present, and future.
Memory and consciousness: Our ability to remember past events and anticipate future ones is intimately tied to our perception of time. Our memories allow us to retain information about past experiences, while our ability to imagine and plan enables us to consider and anticipate future possibilities. This cognitive process reinforces the concept of time as a linear progression.
Cultural and linguistic influences: Our understanding of time is also shaped by cultural and linguistic factors. Many languages have specific tenses and grammatical structures to express past, present, and future events. These linguistic frameworks further reinforce our perception of time as having distinct temporal divisions.
However, it's important to note that our subjective experience of time may not necessarily reflect the true nature of time as understood by physics or other scientific disciplines. In physics, time is often treated as a dimension that exists alongside the three spatial dimensions, forming the framework of spacetime. The nature of time, particularly its relationship to causality and the possibility of time travel, is a subject of ongoing scientific investigation and philosophical debate.
Ultimately, the presumption that time has a future and a past is deeply rooted in our human experience, our cognitive processes, and our cultural and linguistic frameworks. While these perceptions are useful for navigating our everyday lives, understanding the true nature of time requires a broader exploration of scientific theories and philosophical perspectives.