In this paper, I examine the distinctions between the four main theories of Space and how they are relational to the individuals view on the domain of Being. First, I examine the creation of the Subject vs Object dichotomy as seen in the Newtonian theory of Space, in relation to that of Leibniz. Consequently, I follow this to the theory of Kant, and how his view attempts to validate the Newtonian objectivist view, all the while arguing that they are reliant upon the subject cognition. Finally, I examine the Heideggerian theory and its attempt to coalesce the subject/object dichotomy of space via conditions and action.
Newton and Leibniz Newton and Leibniz were the first modern philosophers with a rigorous treatment of the structure of Space, so we will begin with them. The Newtonian notion of Space maintains that “Space” is itself a distinctive substance, and that time passes uniformly, without relation to whether anything observes it, or even whether anything happens. This “Absolute Space,” as Newton called it, is composed of a temporally persistent, three-dimensional Euclidean grid, similar to an empty container. All objects are positioned relative to an absolute three-dimensional coordinate system, and all events occur relative to an absolute one-dimensional timeline. This can be considered a wholly objectivistic view, as it maintains …show more content…
Kant argued that, because we could never represent space to ourselves without already having spatial concepts, it must be nothing more than one of the ways in which we cognize the world. The structure of space, therefore, is not indicative of some deep structure of the universe, but rather is a function of our cognitive processes and our fundamental intellectual activity. He further argued that spatial relations have no metaphysical truth to them but are merely assigned by the
Newton and Leibniz Newton and Leibniz were the first modern philosophers with a rigorous treatment of the structure of Space, so we will begin with them. The Newtonian notion of Space maintains that “Space” is itself a distinctive substance, and that time passes uniformly, without relation to whether anything observes it, or even whether anything happens. This “Absolute Space,” as Newton called it, is composed of a temporally persistent, three-dimensional Euclidean grid, similar to an empty container. All objects are positioned relative to an absolute three-dimensional coordinate system, and all events occur relative to an absolute one-dimensional timeline. This can be considered a wholly objectivistic view, as it maintains …show more content…
Kant argued that, because we could never represent space to ourselves without already having spatial concepts, it must be nothing more than one of the ways in which we cognize the world. The structure of space, therefore, is not indicative of some deep structure of the universe, but rather is a function of our cognitive processes and our fundamental intellectual activity. He further argued that spatial relations have no metaphysical truth to them but are merely assigned by the