Things of matter
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Understanding the Concept of Matter: A Comprehensive Overview
Definition and Fundamental Nature of Matter
What is Matter?
Matter is fundamentally defined as the substance from which all physical objects are made. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, matter is "the substance, or the substances collectively, out of which a physical object is made or of which it consists"1. This definition aligns with a long-standing tradition in ontology, which views material objects not as a fundamental category but as entities composed of more basic substances1.
Atomic Structure and Fundamental Particles
At the most basic level, matter is composed of atoms, which consist of a nucleus surrounded by a cloud of electrons. The nucleus itself is made up of protons and neutrons, which are further composed of quarks. Electrons and quarks are considered fundamental particles, meaning they are not made from anything smaller2. This atomic structure allows for the immense variety and complexity of matter, with ninety-two naturally occurring chemical elements forming billions of different molecules2.
Philosophical Perspectives on Matter
Aristotle's Material Cause
Aristotle's concept of matter, or "material cause," refers to the raw materials from which objects are made. He described certain things as extended, movable, and corporeal, such as the five elements: earth, water, air, fire, and ether. However, Aristotle did not necessarily equate these elements with the modern concept of physical matter. Instead, he used the idea of material cause to analyze perceptible substances without attributing to them the concept of matter as physical stuff7.
Kant's Causal Essentialism
Kant's philosophy introduces the idea of causal essentialism, where the essence of matter is a ground for certain features of phenomena. This perspective suggests that the properties of matter are not just physical but also have a causal relationship with the phenomena they produce. Kant's view extends to the essences of fundamental properties and matter, positing that things in themselves are substances that serve as the substrate of phenomena3.
Materiality and Cultural Contexts
Material Culture in Early Modern History
The study of material culture in early modern history reveals that objects carry meanings beyond their physical properties. For instance, a model of a winch from the seventeenth century not only represented technological change but also materialized memories and emotions for its owner. This approach shows that the histories of objects can cross-connect diverse research fields and produce narratives that reveal multi-layered realities9.
Newborn Socialist Things in Maoist China
In the context of Maoist China, the concept of "newborn socialist things" illustrates how material objects were used to signify progress and ideological shifts. These objects, ranging from household appliances to media artifacts, were seen as constellations of human and nonhuman actors. They represented the officially recognized future in the present, struggling against the "old things" of China's past5.
The Dynamic Properties of Matter
Processual and Relational Nature of Materials
Current studies in material culture emphasize the dynamic and relational properties of materials. Rather than viewing the properties of materials as fixed attributes, it is argued that they are continually generated and dissolved within the fluxes of materials. This perspective suggests that things are active not because they possess inherent agency but because of their involvement in the currents of the lifeworld6.
Vibrancy of Matter in Early Childhood Education
In early childhood education, the concept of the "vibrancy of matter" explores how materials and objects interact with children in non-predictable ways. This approach considers the agency of matter, where objects and materials shape and mold other matter and things. It highlights the importance of considering "thing-power" and "thing-hood" in understanding the materialities of childhood stories and environments10.
Conclusion
The concept of matter encompasses a wide range of definitions and perspectives, from its fundamental atomic structure to its philosophical and cultural implications. Understanding matter requires not only a grasp of its physical properties but also an appreciation of its dynamic, relational, and cultural dimensions. This comprehensive overview highlights the multifaceted nature of matter, illustrating its significance across various fields of study.
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Theories of Matter
This paper argues that the definition of matter as "the substance or substances collectively out of which a physical object is made or consists" is in harmony with an antiquity-based view, and is in conflict with a contemporary view that material objects constitute a fundamental category for ontology.
1. What is matter?
All matter is made of atoms, with a variety of shapes, sizes, and compositions, resulting in immense variety and complexity.
‘Real Grounds’ in Matter and Things in Themselves
Kant's causal essentialism involves both matter's essence and things in themselves, but Stang's version of modal metaphysics doesn't go far enough.
Things That Matter
The Things That Matter is a book that was written by a group of people who believe in the importance of education and the need for a strong, diverse workforce.
Newborn Socialist Things: Materiality in Maoist China By Laurence Coderre. Durham, N.C.: Duke University Press, 2021. 246 pp. ISBN: 9781478014300 (paper).
Newborn socialist things in Maoist China were a key concept, reflecting the ideological progress of the revolution and influencing the materiality of the media environment.
Materials against materiality
The properties of materials are processual and relational, not fixed attributes of matter, and describing their stories is crucial for understanding material culture.
Highly CitedMatter and Aristotle's Material Cause
Aristotle's concept of material cause is insufficient evidence to support the concept of matter as physical stuff, as he does not explicitly state that all perceptible substances are made out of matter.
The Entanglements of Humans and Things: A Long-Term View
Humans' attempts to fix problems through technological solutions have led to an exponential increase in material entanglements, highlighting the need for sustainable use and responsible management of resources.
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