Metric tense logic

Abstract

In the discussion of problems like ‘the sea-fight tomorrow’ we need more than modal logics and tense-logical systems like K _t and K _l . We also need metric tense logic, in which numerical durations are taken into consideration. In metric tense logic it is assumed that some metrical systems for duration (including a relevant time unit) are given. Of course, we have already used metric tense logic in earlier discussions, precisely because this is what is required for cases like ‘the sea-fight tomorrows. In this chapter we shall examine this subject more sysematically. Prior himself dealt with the problems of metric tense logic several times. We shall now study his basic ideas and present his version of the so-called minimal system for metric tense logic [Prior 1968, pp. 88–97]. We shall cal the system MT.