SOURCE: "Predicates of Pure Existence: Newton on God's Space and Time," in Philosophical Perspectives on Newtonian Science, edited by Phillip Bricker and R. 1. G. Hugues, MIT Press, 1990.

In the following essay, McGuire examines the relation of time and space to divine existence, as discussed by Newton in his theological writings.

Some years ago I argued that Newton's doctrine of absolute space and time is motivated by his view of the existence of a divine being.' In the course of this study I advance the opinion that Newton attempts "to distance" space and time from divine essence. In effect, I argue that Newton links the infinity of space and time to divine existence, which he then associates with the actuality of God and not directly with his essence. Here I wish to return to this view in the light of further thinking and in response to some of...