Newtonian absolute space

E7357

Newtonian absolute space is the classical physics concept of a fixed, unchanging spatial framework that exists independently of matter and motion, serving as an absolute reference for all physical events.


Statements (48)
Predicate Object
instanceOf concept in Newtonian physics
concept in classical mechanics
physical concept
theoretical construct
assumes absolute simultaneity
global inertial frame
contrastedWith Leibnizian relational space
relative space
criticizedBy Albert Einstein
Ernst Mach
Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz
debatedIn foundations of physics
philosophy of space and time
describedIn Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica
existsIndependentlyOf matter
motion
physical bodies
hasAlternativeName Newtonian space
absolute space
hasAuthor Isaac Newton
hasHistoricalPeriod 17th century origin
hasProperty fixed
homogeneous
immovable
infinite
isotropic
three-dimensional
unchanging
hasStatus largely obsolete in modern physics
hasTheoreticalRole background spacetime structure
reference frame
incompatibleWith general relativity
special relativity
influenced classical astronomy
classical celestial mechanics
philosophicalPosition substantivalism about space
provides absolute reference for acceleration
absolute reference for motion
absolute reference for position
absolute reference for rest
relatedConcept absolute time
replacedBy Minkowski spacetime
relativistic spacetime
underliesTheory Newtonian mechanics
classical particle dynamics
usedToDefine absolute rest
inertial frames of reference
true acceleration


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