Abstract

The paper advances an interpretative hypothesis about how Isaac Newton's defense of the absolute existence of space, in the manuscript De gravitatione et aequipondio fluidorum, is made up of two fundamentally distinct strategies. Firstly, Newton shows that a relational view regarding the space produces metaphysically negative consequences, specifically, the impossibility of pointing out the existence of a place in nature, so it would be necessary to admit the absolute existence of space. It argues that this strategy is adequate for showing the absolute reality of space. Secondly, Newton discusses the absolute nature of space based on some reflections on the natures of ‘extension’ and ‘body’. It argues that this strategy is not sufficient for showing the absolute reality of space.