Absolute space and time

theoretical foundation of Newtonian mechanics

Absolute space and time are concepts used by Aristotle and by Newton. They are still used in classical mechanics. Even in Newtonian mechanics, the notion of inertial frame of reference is used.

The concepts of space and time were separate before special relativity theory, which connected the two. It showed both to be dependent upon the reference frame's motion. In Einstein's theories, the ideas of absolute time and space were replaced by the idea of spacetime in special relativity, and curved spacetime in general relativity.[1]

References

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  1. Einstein, Albert 1922. Sidelights on Relativity. Methuen, London.