The phrase "present epoch" refers to the current period of time or era that we are living in. It means the time period happening right now. Full definition
The style here presents an epoch flavour. (stylecraze.com)
In one passage Whitehead distinguishes a general metaphysics from a more limited investigation of the order of nature in the p resent epoch: «The remainder of this chapter will be devoted to a discussion — largely conjectural — of the hierarchy of societies composing our present epoch.... (religion-online.org)
Two, he warns us that what he says is «largely conjectural» and that it refers to»... the hierarchy of societies composing our present epoch.» (religion-online.org)