Space

This article is about the general framework of distance and direction. For the space beyond Earth's atmosphere, see Outer space. For the writing separator, see Space (punctuation). For other uses, see Space (disambiguation).

A right-handed three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system used to indicate positions in space

Space is a three-dimensional continuum containing positions and directions.[1] In classical physics, physical space is often conceived in three linear dimensions. Modern physicists usually consider it, with time, to be part of a boundless four-dimensional continuum known as spacetime.[2] The concept of space is considered to be of fundamental importance to an understanding of the physical universe. However, disagreement continues between philosophers over whether it is itself an entity, a relationship between entities, or part of a conceptual framework.

In the 19th and 20th centuries mathematicians began to examine geometries that are non-Euclidean, in which space is conceived as curved, rather than flat, as in the Euclidean space. According to Albert Einstein's theory of general relativity, space around gravitational fields deviates from Euclidean space.[3] Experimental tests of general relativity have confirmed that non-Euclidean geometries provide a better model for the shape of space.

  1. ^ "Space – Physics and Metaphysics". Encyclopædia Britannica. Archived from the original on 6 May 2008. Retrieved 28 April 2008.
  2. ^ Bunyadzade, Konul (15 March 2018). "Thoughts of Time" (PDF). Metafizika Journal (in Azerbaijani). 1. AcademyGate Publishing: 8–29. doi:10.33864/MTFZK.2019.0. Archived (PDF) from the original on 5 April 2019. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
  3. ^ Carnap, R. (1995). An Introduction to the Philosophy of Science. New York: Dove. (Original edition: Philosophical Foundations of Physics. New York: Basic books, 1966).