Absolute theory

In philosophy, absolute theory (or absolutism)^[1] usually refers to a theory based on concepts (such as the concept of space) that exist independently of other concepts and objects. The absolute point of view was advocated in physics by Isaac Newton.^[1] It is one of the traditional views of space along with relational theory and the Kantian theory.^[2]

Overview

According to the absolute theory of space, it is a homogeneous structure which exists and is independent of other things.^[2] The Newtonian arguments of this theory, particularly those concerned with the ontological status of space and time, had been related to the existence of God through the concepts of absolute space and absolute time.^[3] It was proposed that the universe was finite in extent and was said to have begun in time.^[3] Additionally, space exists prior to the body or matter that occupies it and it was held that the universe – as a finite object – is situated within it.^[4]

The theory was also promoted by Newton's followers including Samuel Clarke and Roger Cotes during the 17th and 18th centuries.^[5]

Related theories

An absolute theory is the opposite of a relational theory.^[1] Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, the main proponent of relational theory, argued that there is no absolute space and time.^[4] He maintained that space is not independent nor a container of the matter that occupies it, explaining that physical objects or forces are ordered spatially and that space is merely a system of relations.^[4] According to the relational theory, without objects, there is no space.

Martin Heidegger's theory of space also opposes the absolute theory, with the criticism that it is founded on metaphysical dichotomy of separated subject and object.^[2] He maintained that this nature keeps absolute theory from explaining the true nature of space.

References

^ ^a ^b ^c "Absolute and Relational Theories of Space and Motion" (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy)
^ ^a ^b ^c Bachelard, Jerome (2014). Governance Reform in Africa: International and Domestic Pressures and Counter-Pressures. Oxon: Routledge. p. 18. ISBN 978-1-134-69855-4.
^ ^a ^b Khamara, Edward J. (2006). Space, Time, and Theology in the Leibniz-Newton Controversy. Piscataway, NJ: Transaction Books. p. 6. ISBN 978-3-11-032830-1.
^ ^a ^b ^c Thomson, Garrett (2012-05-21). Bacon to Kant: An Introduction to Modern Philosophy, Third Edition. Long Grove, Illinois: Waveland Press. p. 106. ISBN 978-1-4786-1045-8.
^ Buroker, J. V. (1981). Space and Incongruence: The Origin of Kant’s Idealism. Dordrecht: Springer Science & Business Media. p. 8. ISBN 9789048183630.

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[SEP-1] "Absolute and Relational Theories of Space and Motion" (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy)

[:0-2] Bachelard, Jerome (2014). Governance Reform in Africa: International and Domestic Pressures and Counter-Pressures. Oxon: Routledge. p. 18. ISBN 978-1-134-69855-4.

[:1-3] Khamara, Edward J. (2006). Space, Time, and Theology in the Leibniz-Newton Controversy. Piscataway, NJ: Transaction Books. p. 6. ISBN 978-3-11-032830-1.

[:2-4] Thomson, Garrett (2012-05-21). Bacon to Kant: An Introduction to Modern Philosophy, Third Edition. Long Grove, Illinois: Waveland Press. p. 106. ISBN 978-1-4786-1045-8.

[5] Buroker, J. V. (1981). Space and Incongruence: The Origin of Kant’s Idealism. Dordrecht: Springer Science & Business Media. p. 8. ISBN 9789048183630.

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v t e Sir Isaac Newton
Publications	Fluxions (1671) De Motu (1684) Principia (1687) Opticks (1704) Queries (1704) Arithmetica (1707) De Analysi (1711)
Other writings	Quaestiones (1661–1665) "standing on the shoulders of giants" (1675) Notes on the Jewish Temple (c. 1680) "General Scholium" (1713; "hypotheses non fingo" ) Ancient Kingdoms Amended (1728) Corruptions of Scripture (1754)
Contributions	Calculus fluxion Impact depth Inertia Newton disc Newton polygon Newton–Okounkov body Newton's reflector Newtonian telescope Newton scale Newton's metal Spectrum Structural coloration
Newtonianism	Bucket argument Newton's inequalities Newton's law of cooling Newton's law of universal gravitation post-Newtonian expansion parameterized gravitational constant Newton–Cartan theory Schrödinger–Newton equation Newton's laws of motion Kepler's laws Newtonian dynamics Newton's method in optimization Apollonius's problem truncated Newton method Gauss–Newton algorithm Newton's rings Newton's theorem about ovals Newton–Pepys problem Newtonian potential Newtonian fluid Classical mechanics Corpuscular theory of light Leibniz–Newton calculus controversy Newton's notation Rotating spheres Newton's cannonball Newton–Cotes formulas Newton's method generalized Gauss–Newton method Newton fractal Newton's identities Newton polynomial Newton's theorem of revolving orbits Newton–Euler equations Newton number kissing number problem Newton's quotient Parallelogram of force Newton–Puiseux theorem Absolute space and time Luminiferous aether Newtonian series table
Personal life	Woolsthorpe Manor (birthplace) Cranbury Park (home) Early life Later life Apple tree Religious views Occult studies Scientific Revolution Copernican Revolution
Relations	Catherine Barton (niece) John Conduitt (nephew-in-law) Isaac Barrow (professor) William Clarke (mentor) Benjamin Pulleyn (tutor) Roger Cotes (student) William Whiston (student) John Keill (disciple) William Stukeley (friend) William Jones (friend) Abraham de Moivre (friend)
Depictions	Newton by Blake (monotype) Newton by Paolozzi (sculpture) Isaac Newton Gargoyle Astronomers Monument
Namesake	Newton (unit) Newton's cradle Isaac Newton Institute Isaac Newton Medal Isaac Newton Telescope Isaac Newton Group of Telescopes XMM-Newton Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form Statal Institute of Higher Education Isaac Newton Newton International Fellowship
Categories	Isaac Newton