Search

Thomas Hobbes's strict monistic materialism led many contemporaries to believe he must be an atheist—to hold God to be a corporeal being, they claimed, was effectively to deny his existence. This paper is an addition to those works suggesting that Hobbes's belief in a corporeal God must be taken seriously. Unlike earlier studies on this theme, it emphasises the change in Hobbes's theism from an insistence early in his career that God's nature is utterly unknowable (exempting God from the implications of Hobbes's materialism) to a belief, first stated in 1668, that God is indeed a corporeal being. Seeking to explain this radical change, this article suggests that Hobbes's later theology was influenced by the Cambridge Platonist Henry More, who developed the idea that God was an extended three-dimensional being. This article briefly considers alternative accounts, suggesting the influence of ancient Stoicism and aether theories, but affirms the influence of Henry More. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Artnodes is the property of Universitat Oberta de Catalunya and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

It is postulated that the energy density of the (quantum) vacuum acts firstly as dark energy and secondly as a part of dark matter. Assisted by electric fields arising from a small charge mismatch in the cosmic plasma, it can condense on mass concentrations. No longer participating in the cosmic expansion, this constitutes "electro-aether-energy" (EAE), "electro-zero-point-energy" or "electro-vacuum-energy", which solves the dark matter riddle without new physics. A radial electric field of 1 kV/m is predicted in the Galaxy. For proper electric fields, EAE can cover the results deduced with MOND. An instability allows a speedy filling of dark matter cores. Hydrostatic equilibrium in galaxy clusters is obeyed. Flowing in aether energy of explains why black holes become supermassive, do not have mass gaps and overcome the final parsec problem. Rupture of charged clouds reduces, e.g., the primordial baryon cloud to the cosmic web. The large coherence scale of the electric field acts as a scaffold for gentle galaxy formation and their vast polar structures. In galaxy merging and bars, there occurs no dynamical friction. At cosmological scales, EAE acts as pressureless dark matter. Its amount increases in time, which likely solves the Hubble tension by its late time physics. A big crunch can occur. Of the large cosmological constant injected at the Big Bang, a small part kept that form, without fine-tuning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantum mechanics presently has many unanswered questions, paradoxes, and even outright logical contradictions. To make progress in understanding quantum mechanics, we begin by proposing that relativity be set aside in favor of an absolute aetherial theory. Once that step is taken, we can understand quantum collapse as a description of real wave-packets collapsing in a faster-than-light way. By assuming that a partially observable reality exists, we can then extend our analysis of wave-packets into the subquantum, and the Heisenberg uncertainty principle then follows from the Fourier uncertainty principle coupled with the de Broglie relation. Further progress in understanding quantum mechanics is possible by modifying the de Broglie and Planck relations. Those modifications lead to matter-waves moving at the speed of light rather than superluminally as presently theorized, and they allow the results of matter-wave two-slit experiments to be understood from any reference frame. A modified time-dependent Schrödinger Equation results from our modifications, but the spatial time-independent Schrödinger equation is retained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A solid, two-component, quantum luminiferous aether is proposed to exist. Simple postulates are hypothesized, along with some physical laws and assignments. Derivations then lead to the equations of electrodynamics (Maxwell’s equations and the Lorentz force equation), Newton’s law of universal gravitation, and to two field-masses. The theory is shown to successfully meet the classic tests of general relativity: calculations for the advance of the perihelia, the Shapiro effect, and the gravitational redshift agree with experiment, and the experimental result concerning the bending of light in gravitational fields is also understood. Additionally, gravitational waves are understood, and the first of the field-masses allows for an understanding of what is presently known as dark matter. A new approach to analyzing dense objects such as white dwarfs and neutron stars is discussed, and since the theory has no singularity, a replacement for black holes is suggested. Replacing relativity with an absolute, realist, and physical model returns us to a flat Euclidean space and a separate time. Absolute simultaneity enables understanding of quantum mechanics. The underlying philosophical grounding is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air-breathing electric propulsion (ABEP) refers to a spacecraft in very-low Earth orbit (VLEO) harnessing upper atmospheric air as propellant for an electric thruster. This allows the orbital altitude to be maintained via drag-compensation, removing the need for on-board propellant storage and allowing a mission lifetime which is not limited by propellant capacity. A cathode (or neutraliser) is required for the high-specific impulse electrostatic thruster designs proposed for an ABEP application. One such study is the AETHER EU H2020 project, which aims to design an ABEP system that can be tested on-ground in a VLEO-representative environment. There is therefore a need to develop a cathode for ABEP as conventional thermionic hollow cathodes are susceptible to oxygen poisoning. The Air-breathing Microwave Plasma CAThode (AMPCAT) presented here is based on a plasma electron source, using a 2.45 GHz microwave antenna directly-inserted into the plasma volume to ionise neutral air particles. This study details the cathode design and the results of iterative standalone testing, with a particular focus on: (a) the identification of a dual-mode current emission, with transition from lower- to higher-current mode with air at bias values around 70 V between the extracting anode and internal cathode surfaces, (b) a comparison of performance relative to xenon, for which the peak extracted current is 30 – 40 % higher than air at equivalent inputs, and (c) the effect of antenna electrical isolation, using alumina shielding thicknesses in the 0. 1 – 0. 7 mm range. Standalone cathode tests demonstrate 0.8 A of stable extracted current with 0.1 mg/s mass flow rate of a 0.48O 2 + 0.52N 2 mixture, relative bias of 80 V and input microwave power of 70 W. To the authors' knowledge, the demonstration of an extracted current in the 1 A order using air, without visible material degradation after several hours of operation, is a novel development in the cathode literature. • Study presents novel air-breathing microwave plasma cathode for very-low Earth orbit. • Standalone testing demonstrates stable operation on air without visible erosion. • Continuous current of 0.8 A shown at 145 W total power and 0.1 mg/s of 0.48O2-N2 air. • Dual-current mode transition identified at threshold cathode internal bias. • Isolation of plasma-immersed microwave antenna prevents coating phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As well as the mathematically-supported celestial mechanics that Newton developed in his Principia, Newton also proposed a more speculative natural philosophy of interparticulate forces of attraction and repulsion. Although this speculative philosophy was not made public before the 'Queries' which Newton appended to the Opticks, it originated far earlier in Newton's career. This article makes the case that Newton's short, unfinished manuscript, entitled 'De Aere et Aethere', should be seen as an important landmark in Newton's intellectual development, being the first work in which Newton assumed there are repulsive forces operating at a distance between the particles of bodies. The article offers an account of how Newton came to write 'De Aere et Aethere' and why. It also outlines its relationship to the 'Conclusio', with which Newton briefly intended to finish the Principia, and to the 'Queries' in the Opticks. The date of the manuscript is disputed, and the article also aims to settle this dispute. Claims that the 'De Aere et Aethere' must have been written before the 'Hypothesis... of Light' of 1675 are dismissed, and it is suggested, following R. S. Westfall, that it was written after a well-known letter Newton wrote to Boyle early in 1679. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose that the density of the aether is a universal constant and is the same in all inertial frames of reference. We suggest that other physical phenomena, such as the speed of light, Maxwell's equations, and gravity, which are the same in all inertial frames of reference, behave in this manner, because they all depend on the density of the aether. We discuss the origin of mass in terms of aether displacement by subatomic particles with mass. Explanations of Newton's laws of motion, based on the aether, are given. The fundamental causes of kinetic energy and momentum are explained in relation to the aether. We offer an explanation for the constant speed of light. Einstein's special theory of relativity is explained in relation to the constancy of the aether density, and the famous equations in his theory are derived using basic aether dynamics. We suggest that aether particles are fundamental particles behaving like tiny springs as proposed by Hooke's law and be given the name aetheons. We propose the spring constant of the aetheon ultimately limits the speed of light to c. This paper offers a way to link classical Newtonian physics to quantum physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scholars have long considered de Philosophia and de Caelo to be in contradiction regarding the nature of the heavenly bodies, particularly with respect to the activity proper to the element composing them. According to the accounts we have of de Philosophia, Aristotle seems to have put forth that stars move because they have minds, and, according to Cicero's account of the lost text, they choose their actions out of free will. In de Caelo, however, Aristotle seems only to consider that stars engage in the activity of circular motion because it is in their nature to do so, as it is in the nature of, e.g. fire to move upwards or Earth to move downwards. In this paper, I argue against the longstanding view that there is an incompatibility between these two "early" cosmological texts of Aristotle. I aim to show that these two texts endorse complementary, not contradictory, views of the heavenly bodies. I argue that in de Philosophia, Aristotle attributes to stars the intellective counterpart of the spatial motion which is developed in greater depth in de Caelo, while in de Caelo, we see hints of Aristotle's view in de Philosophia that the stars are also minds and are able to rationally cognize their particular good – a point which is shown in de Caelo 292a18–293a14, where Aristotle attributes both life and praxis to the heavenly bodies. The overarching view which I present of these two texts is that while de Caelo approaches the heavenly bodies qua bodies and de Philosophia approaches them qua minds, they are still examining one and the same substance and that Aristotle has not changed his mind regarding the basic nature of such a substance in the (supposed) interim between writing de Philosophia and de Caelo. Rather, we find echoes of de Caelo in de Philosophia, and echoes of de Philosophia in de Caelo, which speaks to the fact that Aristotle maintains one view of the heavenly bodies which he presents over the course of these two texts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aether theory of gravity basically states that the gravity produced by a large object such as the earth is that aether is destroyed or modified within the earth. This results in a fall in aether pressure within the earth. Aether then accelerates into the earth from outer space in order to keep the aether pressure within the earth constant. The aether accelerating into the earth exerts a force on all objects caught in the accelerating aether flow. We have modified the existing theories of what aether is, and using these modifications and existing published figures on the structure of atomic nuclei, we have been able to calculate the aether pressure at the surface of the earth, as well as calculating the gravitational force per nucleon at the surface of the earth. We calculated the aether pressure at the surface of the earth as being 3311 N/m2 or 337.66 kg/m2. The gravitational force per nucleon is 1.6271026 N/nucleon. We present an entirely new way to calculate the gravitational force acting on an object at the surface of the earth based on the aether theory of gravity and aether dynamics. The force of gravity acting on an object (F) is the product of the aether pressure (P), the mass of object in grams (m), the effective surface area of a nucleon (Seff), and Avogadro's number. The effective surface area is proportional to half of the surface area of a nucleon (S) multiplied by a factor ( Þ. The factor necessary to modify the effective surface area was calculated using calculus. The fact that this equation, based on aether dynamics, actually works demonstrates that the aether theory of gravity may well be correct. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a reformulation of physics avoiding several well-known paradoxes. We give an outline of a basic logical framework. Subsequent papers focus on technicalities of computations and on results. Starting items are empirical constraint, realism, 3D space and straight line. The universe is a unique natural system. Mass, energy and E = mc² need careful consideration. Fractals and golden rule lead to irreversibility of phenomena and are crucial for defining time. The threefold character of nature - in terms of timeless world plus a time- and an antitime-world - is required for avoiding paradoxes. The standard Newton’s approach relies on approximations and statistics that imply reference to separate subsystems, and their interaction. Assuming that phenomena are the superposition of “fundamental” laws originates approximations, in contrast with universe irreversibility. Force, potential, action at a distance, Maxwell equations, etc., deal with reversibility. One must reject these tools for avoiding paradoxes, but retain them when reformulating according to a statistical description. Statistics must forget about the rationale of Monte Carlo methods, and must rely on correct statistics that lead to the Schrödinger equation, to Newton's and Lagrange’s etc., i.e., one deals with rigorous formulation of micro-physics and refers to statistics to explain macro-phenomena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nineteenth-century aether died with special relativity but was resurrected by general relativity in the form of dark energy; a tensile material with tension equal to its energy density. Such a material is provided by the D-branes of string-theory; these can support the fields of supersymmetric particle-physics, although their energy density is cancelled by orientifold singularities upon compactification. Dark energy can still arise from supersymmetry-breaking anti-D-branes but it is probably time-dependent. Recent results on time-dependent compactifications to an FLRW universe with late-time accelerated expansion are reviewed. This article is part of the theme issue 'The future of mathematical cosmology, Volume 2'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a new theory of gravity based on aether destruction. In the case of the earth, aether is destroyed within the earth. Aether then accelerates into the earth in an attempt to keep the aether pressure in the earth constant. Any object caught in the accelerating aether flow will be accelerated in the direction of the accelerating aether flow. We suggest a mathematical model to demonstrate that there is a correlation between the aether acceleration and the force of gravity. The mathematical model assumes a porous-like atomic nucleus, in which the nucleons are fixed in position, and a fluid-like aether that can infiltrate between the nucleons but is excluded from their interiors. This theory of gravity assumes that the aether particle interactions are perfectly elastic, and aether can easily penetrate the nucleus of atoms, as they are not affected by electromagnetic or nuclear forces. The effect of gravity is almost entirely due to the fact that aether cannot penetrate the interior of nucleons. We offer a new model of the aether, which includes some new and important concepts that are essential to explain the cause and effect of gravity. The reason why all objects fall at the same speed is explained, and the possible causes for the destruction of the aether are discussed. Since the aether destruction is proportional to the mass of the earth and is, therefore, a cubic relationship, the effect of the accelerating aether flow (gravity) on an object caught in the accelerating aether flow depends on the surface area of the nucleons making up the object and is a square relationship, clarifying, thus, the dilemma cubic or square relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to present the views of one of prominent Polish chemists, namely Bohdan Szyszkowski. Presented views are concerning the relation of the concepts of aether, continuity and causality in the context of revolution in physics that took place at the turn of 19th and 20th centuries. The issues particularly concern his thoughts related to the old quantum theory and special relativity. In particular, this article presents the role of these concepts in the foundations of physics and – in a more general aspect – in the recognized fields of knowledge. The nature of Szyszkowski’s analysis allows him to be considered a very interesting thinker in the area that today is called the philosophy of physics or, perhaps more accurately, the philosophy in science. An important observation made by Szyszkowski is emphasized that mathematical structures cannot have physical properties. Attention was also paid to the Polish intellectual community, which was formed in Kiev before 1919.

Early modern physics of the 19th century postulated the existence of an aether, or space filling medium which allowed for the transmission of electromagnetic waves and gravitational forces. The aether permeated all space, the substance of nothingness by which immaterial phenomena could be explained through material properties. Architects rely on representational methods to depict space, the absence of matter, in ways that best serve our intentions to manipulate it. This project investigates architecture’s primary pursuit, to create void from solid, through the design of a row house in Philadelphia.

Air-breathing electric propulsion (ABEP) enables long duration missions at very low orbital altitudes through the use of drag compensation. A system-level spacecraft model is developed, using the interaction between thruster, intake and solar arrays, and coupled to a calculation of the drag. A quadratic solution is found for specific impulse and evaluated to identify the thruster performance required for drag-compensation at varying altitudes. An upper altitude limit around 190 km is based on a minimum thruster propellant density, resulting in required thruster performance values of I s p > 3000 s and T / P > 8 mN/kW for a realistic ABEP spacecraft. The orbit of an air-breathing spacecraft is propagated with time, which highlights the prescribed orbit eccentricity due to non-spherical gravity and therefore an increased variability in the atmospheric conditions. A thruster control law is introduced which avoids a divergent altitude behaviour by preventing thruster firings around the orbit periapsis, as well as adding robustness against atmospheric changes due to season and solar activity. Through the use of an initial frozen orbit, thruster control and an augmented T / P , a stable long-term profile is demonstrated based on the performance data of a gridded-ion thruster tested with atmospheric propellants. An initial mean semi-major axis altitude of 200 km relative to the equatorial Earth radius, a spacecraft mass of 200 kg, I s p = 5455 s and T / P = 23 mN/kW , results in an altitude range of around 10 km at altitudes of 160 – 183 km during a period of medium to high solar activity. • Model relates feasible operating altitude to generic thruster performance. • Normalised formulation determines spacecraft size based on thruster power. • Time propagation of spacecraft altitude reveals unavoidable orbital eccentricity. • Simulation of uncontrolled thruster shows unstable, divergent-altitude behaviour. • Frozen orbit and thruster control law establish stable, long-term altitude profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article of Apffel et al. [Nature 585, 48 (2020)] reported on an experiment that produced the sight of two miniature sailboats floating upside down to each other on the two sides of a layer of glycerol that was levitated by high frequency vibrations. The vessel on the underside of the glycerol is a remarkable display of the results of simulated gravity caused by vibrations. The present article considers this and other experiments on simulated gravity and finds that they provide support for the flowing aether concept of the cause of gravity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theorists of the 20th century had failed to recognize an underlying law of physics governing the propagation of light: linearly propagating electromagnetic radiation (and neutrinos) is subject to the Principle of velocity differential propagation. The Principle, which is shown to rest on sound physics, has two manifestations: the second of these, the blueshifting of light (and neutrinos) within the internal portion of a gravity well, is explored. The Principle is applied to an end-state neutron star (a stable gravitationally collapsed body). Examined is its energy layer, the energy generation/amplification that takes place there, and the mechanism by which the energy escapes to the external world. Highlighted is the steady-state perpetual nature of the process; and its applicability in solving two of the most intractable problems in astrophysics. The implications for cosmology are profound and incontrovertible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article proposes that James Clerk Maxwell's theory of the medium of aether, published in 1865, provides a significant step toward the unification of gravity, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, and entanglement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theorists of the 20th century had failed to recognize the law governing the prolonged interaction between electromagnetic radiation and gravity gradients--they had overlooked the principle of velocity differential propagation (the Principle). Historical background is provided and includes the bafflement surrounding the discovery of the cosmic redshift and its interpretation. The Principle is presented. Its application to gravity wells reveals that light waves traversing the external portion of a gravity well will intrinsically lose energy. The energy loss occurs during the inbound propagation AND during the outbound propagation. In other words, light undergoes redshifting throughout the entire journey. Three proofs are detailed. Observational evidence (several examples) is presented. Highlights are given of the momentous misinterpretation that could have been avoided if only there had emerged cognizance of the Principle. Examined is the question, How could it have happened that scientists missed the Principle? The implications for cosmology are profound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Octagonal and rectilinear reciprocal coupling in space creating non-zero mass and spin-1 according to Lorentz's interpretation, creates a template for earth's cavity and transverse lightening shock waves according to Tesla from an extrapolation of non-zero space. The consequences of non-zero-positive mass are explored. Obolensky from this inspiration created a miniature Tesla Magnifying Transmission which organizes water, creates emanations of acupuncture points, and improves disease conditions. Bose-Einstein condensation parallels of inorganic Helium at low temperatures and organic human global physiological measurements of Zen Master meditators show properties of Oneness. European science does not have a philosophical history of curvilinear and rectilinear understanding of the human mind/body consciousness to the aether field, internal organs and energy flow within the body. Turning to the Natural philosophy of the Orient provides a way that the fragmented physiological and mental habits can be changed to a more unconditioned or phase change natural state through Qigong curvilinear and transverse breathing practices both inside the organism and interacting with the outside to gain energy and overcome disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rubens’s intellectual pursuits are not new to art historians. Much ink has been spilled to illustrate how much and in which way both the classical heritage and Lipsius’s Neostoic thought influenced his artistic production. This article aligns with this scholarly tradition, by concentrating on a peculiar motif depicted by Rubens on antique shields between 1616 and 1618, and by showing how ancient ekphrasis and Lipsius’s natural philosophy, imbued with Platonic and Hermetic ideas, played a fundamental role in Rubens’s invention of this original and powerful image. The latter represents the embodiment of the laws of nature and God, bringing to mind the theological and philosophical discussions circulating among intellectuals at the beginning of the seventeenth century.

We extend the descriptive power of the Cosmic Fabric model of space developed by Tenev and Horstemeyer [Int. J. Mod. Phys. D 27 (2018) 1850083] to include moving observers by demonstrating that all reference frames are phenomenologically equivalent with one another and transform between each other via the Lorentz transformations. Our approach is similar to that of Lorentz [Versl. Kon. Akad. Wetensch 1 (1892) 74], which was used to explain the negative outcome of the Michelson–Morley æther detection experiment [A. A. Michelson and E. W. Morley, Am. J. Sci. s3–34 (1887) 333], except that we deduce the notions of length contraction and time dilation from the postulates of the Cosmic Fabric model. Our result is valid for the continuum length scale at which, by definition, the cosmic fabric can be described mathematically as a continuum. Herein, we also discuss the length scale-dependent nature of the Cosmic Fabric model as a possible way to relate gravitational and quantum theories.

Rubens's intellectual pursuits are not new to art historians. Much ink has been spilled to illustrate how much and in which way both the classical heritage and Lipsius's Neostoic thought influenced his artistic production. This article aligns with this scholarly tradition, by concentrating on a peculiar motif depicted by Rubens on antique shields between 1616 and 1618, and by showing how ancient ekphrasis and Lipsius's natural philosophy, imbued with Platonic and Hermetic ideas, played a fundamental role in Rubens's invention of this original and powerful image. The latter represents the embodiment of the laws of nature and God, bringing to mind the theological and philosophical discussions circulating among intellectuals at the beginning of the seventeenth century. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aether, proposed to be a subtle primordial substance, was once thought to permeate all space and provide a substrate through which electromagnetic waves, such as light, traveled. It is a powerful explanatory concept that has roots in ancient indigenous knowledge and helped unify our understanding of the physical world for centuries. The Michelson- Morley experiment is often credited as being the death blow to aether, but this is not exactly so. These experimental results were not nil, but showed approximately 25% of the expected 30m/s speed of an "aether wind" from Earth orbiting the Sun. The aether was abandoned largely because of Einstein's Special Relativity Theory, which contradicts an absolute frame of reference. Nonetheless, Einstein came to accept a new version of the aether to explain parts of his famous theory of General Relativity. Although the static aether of the 19th century was abandoned, with the advent of quantum mechanics, new dynamic models of space were developed. Space was viewed as a quantum plenum full of energetic potential resulting from Planck's blackbody radiation. Indeed, space has measurable physical properties that imply the existence of a subtle substance herein called the "neo-aether." Matter can be considered a unique dynamic state of the "neo-aether." A rudimentary consciousness may be rooted in this deep substratum of existence. Historical highlights of the aether concept and the "neo-aether" are described here. There is the Akasha of Vedic philosophy; the luminiferous aether of Huygens; Maxwell's theory of molecular vortices; the zero point energy of quantum theory; the dark energy of cosmology; the quantum potential of Bohm; and metaphysical perspectives. Whereas 20th century physics was largely caught up in mathematical verbiage, the "neo-aether" is a physical model that provides causal explanations of observed phenomena including non locality and electromagnetic wave propagation through space. One implication of the "neoaether" is the possibility of a unified field theory in which particles, fields, and even sentience originates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article proposes that the medium of aether as described by James Clerk Maxwell in 1865 offers a rational explanation of the phenomenon of entanglement. It also provides a rational underlying physical base for the quantum mechanics theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The French physicist Georges Sagnac is nowdays frequently cited by the engineers who work on devices such as ring-laser gyroscopes. These systems operate on the principle of the Sagnac effect. It is less known that Sagnac was a strong opponent to the theory of special relativity proposed by Albert Einstein. He set up his experiment to prove the existence of the aether discarded by the Einsteinian relativity. An accurate explanation of the phenomenon was provided by Paul Langevin in 1921. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]