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TULASI-PRAJNĂ, March, 1990
relations of things but a pure intuition. For in the first place, we can only represent to ourselves one space, and when we talk of diverse spaces, we mean only parts of one and the same space. Moreover these parts cannot antecede this one all-embracing space, as the component parts from which the aggregate can be made up, but can be cogitated only as existing in it. Space is essentially one, and multiplicity in it, consequently tbe general notion of spaces, of this or that space, depends solely upon limitations. Hence it follows that an a Priori intuition (which is not empirical) lies at the root of all our conceptions of space. Thus, moreover, the principles of geometryfor example, that "in a triangle, two sides together are greater than the third, "are never deduced from general conceptions of line and triangle, but from intuition, and this is a Priori with apodictic certainty.
"4. Space is represented as an infinite given quantity. Now every conception must indeed be considered as a representation which is contained in an infinite multitude of different possible representations, which, therefore, comprises these under itself but no conception, as such, can be so conceived, as if it contained within itself an infinite multitude of representations. Nevertheless, space is so conceived of, for all parts of space are equally capable of being produced to infinity. Consequently, the original representation of space is an intution a priori, and not a conception."27
Thus, Kant asserted that space and time have no existence except as a characteristic of human consciousness. Kant inferred from his theory of space that “all geometrical propositions can be deduced a priori from intuition, with apodeictical certainty". On the strength of this assertion, he believed that Euclidean geometry28 was infallibly true, and indeed was a necessity of thought.
We see, thus, that different philosophers have placed forth different views on space and time. It is to be noted that the scientific outlook has been greatly influenced by these philosophical ideas. This should not surprise us, for the concept of space and time are as much related to physics as to philosophy.
(To Continue) References : 1. In the words of Democritus : "Only atoms and empty space have a real
existence." Cf. W. Heisenberg, Physics and Philosophy, P. 64 2. Cf. B. Russell, History of Western Philosophy, P. 89 3. Cosmology, Mc Millans, P. 113 4. Quoted from Sir Edmund Whittaker, From Euclid to Eddington, P. 5 5. History of Western Philosophy, P. 16
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