Lexi Liston: “Fortunately, We May Not Have Time”

Philosophy major Lexi Liston was selected to present at the Eastern Michigan University Undergraduate Conference in Philosophy.

Here’s the abstract of Lexi’s paper, entitled “Fortunately, We May Not Have Time”:

Our perceptions and beliefs about reality do not always reflect the true nature of reality. Conceptions of time are an example of this. Are hours or years inherently real and do they pass by? Nagarjuna and Dogen help us to understand that time does not exist inherently, but is a set of relations among phenomena, and that our being is in unity with time. This understanding contributes to living mindfully and compassionately, offering insight into the connectedness of all things. This view of time is supported by discoveries in physics and physical definitions of time. It also raises questions in psychology, especially concerning memory. We find that our usual conceptions of time can be useful at a conventional level, but we should understand that ultimately and fundamentally, time is empty.

At the conclusion of the conference, Lexi learned that her paper was selected for inclusion in the journal Acta Cogitata, the undergraduate philosophy journal hosted by EMU.

Congratulations, Lexi! We’re proud of your work.