Newton and Kant on absolute space

from theology to transcendental philosophy

Michael Friedman

pp. 35-50

in: Michel Bitbol, Pierre Kerszberg, Jean Petitot (eds), Constituting objectivity, Berlin, Springer, 2009

Abstract

I argue that Kant's methodological differences with Newton over absolute space and gravitational action at a distance are importantly related to metaphysical and theological issues about God and the creation of the material world in space. These differences constitute an essential part of Kant's radical transformation of the very meaning of metaphysics as practiced by the predecessors – from ontological and theological issues to transcendental philosophy.

Cited authors

Kant Immanuel

Newton Isaac