Action, Substance, and Space in Newton’s Metaphysics

[This paper reconstructs Newton’s metaphysics from various comments by Newton on substance. The paper argues that Newton introduces important innovations to traditional concepts of metaphysics. The first innovation consists of Newton’s critique of the notion of inherence and the relation between matter and form as described by Aristotle. Second is the association Newton makes between the notion of substance and the actions of substances, such that the reality of substances consists in the actions they are able to induce in other substances. And third is Newton’s taking the presence of substances in space as necessary for articulating the notion of substantial action, which demonstrates the central role of Space in Newton’s metaphysics. This reconstruction also explains Newton’s various comments about the nature of Space, including his claim that Space is an emanative effect of God.]