The Evolution of Modern Temporal and Spatial Concepts: From Newton and Leibniz to Kant
Abstract
The spatiotemporal problem remains one of the fundamental issues throughout Western philosophy. Philosophers from different eras and schools have developed distinct worldviews and cosmological perspectives on this subject, which in turn guided the advancement of natural sciences. This paper systematically examines and compares the views of three influential modern philosophers regarding spatiotemporal concepts to clarify the developmental trajectory of Kant's transcendental spatiotemporal theory. Newton advocated an absolute spatiotemporal view, asserting that space and time constitute independent "entities." Leibniz critiqued Newton's absolute spatiotemporal framework, proposing instead that space and time represent continuous relationships between moving objects. Kant's spatiotemporal theory transcended both predecessors by rejecting... Space-time is regarded as a completely independent entity rather than a sequential relationship. Building upon synthesizing perspectives from both sides, a transcendental view of space-time was proposed, asserting that it constitutes the subject's innate sensory intuition. Cognitive objects are first received by the subject in spatial-temporal forms, embodying both empirical reality and transcendental conceptual characteristics. Modern conceptions of space-time evolved from initial interpretations as "entities" and "relations" to being ultimately recognized as essential cognitive conditions inherent to human cognition. This developmental trajectory is inseparable from Kant's epistemological turn, exerting profound influence on modern philosophies such as phenomenology and philosophy of science.
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