Slowik, Edward (2007) NEWTON’S NEO-PLATONIC ONTOLOGY OF SPACE. UNSPECIFIED.

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Abstract

This paper investigates Newton’s ontology of space in order to determine its commitment, if any, to both neo-Platonism, which posits an incorporeal basis for space, and substantivalism, which regards space as a form of substance or entity. A non-substantivalist interpretation of Newton’s theory has been famously championed by Howard Stein and Robert DiSalle, among others, while both Stein and J. E. McGuire have downplayed the influence of Cambridge neo-Platonism on various aspects of Newton’s own spatial hypotheses. Both of these assertions will be shown to be problematic on various grounds, with special emphasis placed on Stein’s influential case for a non-substantivalist reading. Our analysis will strive, nonetheless, to reveal the unique or forward-looking aspects of Newton’s approach, most notably, his critical assessment of substance ontologies, that help to distinguish his theory of space from his neo-Platonic contemporaries and predecessors.

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Item Type:	Other
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Slowik, Edward
Keywords:	Newton, space, ontology, Neo-Platonism
Subjects:	General Issues > History of Philosophy of Science
Depositing User:	Edward Slowik
Date Deposited:	11 Sep 2007
Last Modified:	07 Oct 2010 15:15
Item ID:	3505
Subjects:	General Issues > History of Philosophy of Science
Date:	September 2007
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/3505

Available Versions of this Item

• NEWTON’S NEO-PLATONIC ONTOLOGY OF SPACE. (deposited 11 Sep 2007) [Currently Displayed]
  • Newton's Neo-Platonic Ontology of Space. (deposited 05 Sep 2008)

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