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Newton on Matter and Space in De gravitatione et aequipondio fluidorum

Kochiras, H. (2012) Newton on Matter and Space in De gravitatione et aequipondio fluidorum. In: [2012] Seventh Quadrennial Fellows Conference of the Center for Philosophy of Science (12-14 June 2012; Mugla, Turkey).

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    Abstract

    This paper explicates the concepts of matter and space that Newton develops in De gravitatione. As I interpret Newton’s account of created substances, bodies are constructed from qualities alone, as configured by God. Although regions of space and then “determined quantities of extension” appear to replace the Aristotelian substrate by functioning as property-bearers, they actually serve only as logical subjects. An implication of the interpretation I develop is that only space is extended by having parts outside parts; material bodies are spatially extended only in a derivative sense, via the presence of their constitutive qualities or powers in space.

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    Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item (UNSPECIFIED)
    Additional Information: Presented June 14, 2012 at the 7th Quadrennial Fellows Conference of the Pittsburgh Center for Philosophy of Science, convened at Mugla University
    Keywords: Isaac Newton, Matter, Space
    Subjects: General Issues > History of Philosophy of Science
    Conferences and Volumes: [2012] Seventh Quadrennial Fellows Conference of the Center for Philosophy of Science (12-14 June 2012; Mugla, Turkey)
    Depositing User: Dr. H. Kochiras
    Date Deposited: 12 Jul 2012 20:00
    Last Modified: 12 Jul 2012 20:00
    Item ID: 9227
    URI: http://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/9227

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