Newton on the Structure and parts of Space
Slowik, Edward (2008)
Newton on the Structure and parts of Space. In [2009] &HPS2: Integrated History and Philosophy of Science 2. (Notre Dame, 12-15 March 2009).
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Abstract
This presentation will investigate the parts of space, and its relationship with metrical structure, in Newton’s natural philosophy. 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, Maudlin, DiSalle, Torretti, McGuire, 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 parts of space, including their ontological implications for absolute and/or substantival space, have largely eluded prior analysis.
| Keywords: | Newton, space and Time, Structuralism |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | General Issues: History of Philosophy of Science |
| Conferences and Volumes: | [2009] &HPS2: Integrated History and Philosophy of Science 2. (Notre Dame, 12-15 March 2009) |
| ID Code: | 4512 |
| Deposited By: | Slowik, Edward |
| Deposited On: | 12 March 2009 |
| Additional Information: | This paper is an extended abstract, whereas the full paper has been on the philsci archive since 2008, and can be found under the title: "Newton, the Parts of Space, and Spacetime Structuralism" |