Beyond the Block Universe: Relational Emergence of Time and Modal Discipline in the Theory of Objectivity

This article offers a full critical–propositional analysis of Rony G. Moussa’s Beyond the Block Universe and Temporal Flow: A Relational Emergence Account of Time in confrontation with the Theory of Objectivity (TO). Written in the Chicago author–date style, the study examines Moussa’s central thesis that the longstanding opposition between the block universe and temporal-flow theories is sustained by a shared presupposition: the treatment of time as ontologically fundamental. From the standpoint of the Theory of Objectivity, the article argues that Moussa’s proposal is philosophically significant because it relocates the problem of time from the polarity between fixity and flow to the ontological conditions under which temporal order emerges. The study identifies important compatibilities between Relational Continuum Ontology and TO, especially regarding the rejection of temporal absolutes, the primacy of relational organization, and the dependence of temporal structure on stability, differentiation, and ordered transformation. At the same time, the article develops a rigorous critical assessment of the limits of Moussa’s framework when examined under the modal discipline of TO. It highlights tensions concerning modal necessity, the cosmogonic status of temporality, the logical anteriority of elements, and the role of informational transcendence. In this reading, transcendence is understood as the knowledge or information produced in atomic relations, equivalent to atomic radiations. The paper further articulates the discussion with the phenomenic elements of TO, the Inductive Effects, the cosmogonic theorem, and the cosmological Eras of the Theory of Objectivity, proposing that time should be understood not as a primitive ontological container, but as a derived achievement of objective relational structuring. The result is a constructive dialogue between Moussa’s relational emergence account and the modal, ontological, and cosmological framework of the Theory of Objectivity. Note: This analytical study benefited from the analytical support of ChatGPT. Keywords: Theory of Objectivity; time; relational emergence; block universe; temporal flow; modal ontology; cosmology; metaphysics of time; Relational Continuum Ontology; phenomenic elements; Inductive Effects; cosmogonic theorem.