Newton, the Parts of Space, and Spacetime Structuralism

Slowik, Edward (2008) Newton, the Parts of Space, and Spacetime Structuralism.

Abstract

This essay will investigate the interrelationship between the parts of space and topological and metrical structure in Newton’s natural philosophy, as well as its influence in contemporary spacetime debates. The historical background to Newton’s claims will form an important part of the investigation, in addition to an assessment of the recent articles by Nerlich, Huggett, Torretti, DiSalle, and several others, on this subject. While various aspects of these previous contributions will prove informative, it will be argued that the underlying goals of Newton’s pronouncements on the relationship among the parts of space, including their methodological and ontological implications for absolute space and contemporary spacetime theories, have largely eluded prior analysis.