Article ID: CBB999415405

Dimensionality, Symmetry and the Inverse Square Law (2020)

unapi

Kant suggested that Newton's Inverse Square Law (ISL) determines the dimensions of space to be three. Much has been written in the philosophical literature about Kant's suggestion, including specific arguments attempting to link the ISL to three-dimensionality. In this article, we explore one such argument and demonstrate that it fails to support the link Kant purports to make between the ISL and the three-dimensionality of space. At best, the link that can be made is between the ISL and symmetry.

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Authors & Contributors
Hon, Giora
Sloan, Phillip R.
Massimi, Michela
Goldstein, Bernard R.
Franco, Paul L.
Riki Kudo
Concepts
History of philosophy of science
Symmetry
Mathematics
Philosophy
Philosophy of science
Biology
Time Periods
18th century
20th century
19th century
17th century
20th century, early
Early modern
Places
France
England
Germany
Institutions
Marburg School of Philosophy
Philipps-Universität Marburg
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