[Serious] Is the Past Real?

[Neo-Scholastic]

I'm not sure whether the past is real. I AM sure that it doesn't matter whether the past is real.

Boru

IMO it matters because the ontological status of the past and future have ethical consideration in the present. Do we have ethical obligations to the past such as preserving traditions, honoring the work one's predecessors, and maintaining promises to the dead, etc.? Similarly, do we have obligations to the future such as not depleting resources, leaving legacies for future generations and not burdening them with debt?

Eternalism seems to treat all moments of time as equal. Every moment is equally worthy. In contrast to this, presentism privileges the current moment not just ontologically but morally as well...condemned to choose, as Camus would have suggested.

Traditional moral teachings, such as Aesop's fables, condemn those whose indulgenes in present lead to future misfortunes. And that seems wise for one's own life but how far does that principle extend? Why should I sacrifice for people who do not and may never exist? If I am called to preserve the planet for those not yet born am I not also called to protect the unborn so they can recieve it? Was Lincoln right? Is there hallowed ground, not in the metaphyisical sense; but rather, out of respect for whatever historical event occured there. If you are alone in a cemetary, do you avoid walking on graves (and not because someone might see you)? Why?