What is matter what is matter
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Understanding Matter: A Comprehensive Overview
Definition and Composition of Matter
What is Matter?
Matter is the fundamental substance that constitutes all physical objects in the universe. It is composed of atoms, which are the smallest units retaining the properties of an element. Each atom consists of a nucleus, containing protons and neutrons, surrounded by a cloud of electrons. Protons and neutrons themselves are made up of even smaller particles called quarks, which, along with electrons, are considered fundamental particles as they are not composed of anything smaller1.
Theories and Philosophical Perspectives on Matter
The Oxford English Dictionary defines matter as "the substance, or the substances collectively, out of which a physical object is made or of which it consists"2. This definition aligns with traditional views that do not consider material objects as a fundamental category for ontology. However, contemporary views often challenge this, suggesting that material objects are indeed fundamental2. Additionally, some modern theories propose that consciousness, rather than matter, is the basic substance of reality, aligning with Western Idealism and Eastern Advaita-Vedanta philosophies3.
Properties and Measurement of Matter
Matter and Mass
Matter is the only substance that provides objective existence in space and physical reality to entities. The content of matter in objects is often represented by mass, which can be categorized into inertial mass (a measure of inertia) and gravitational mass (derived from gravitational attraction)4. The focus on mass has sometimes led to the misconception that matter itself is unnecessary for the existence of material bodies, prompting the development of exotic theories and particles4.
Educational Perspectives on Matter
Students' Understanding of Matter
Research has shown that students' understanding of matter progresses through distinct levels, encompassing big ideas such as structure and composition, physical properties and change, chemical reactions, and conservation6. These ideas develop in parallel, although not necessarily at the same pace for all students. Effective educational strategies can help optimize instruction and improve students' comprehension of these fundamental concepts6.
Development of the Concept of Matter
The clarity with which students distinguish between matter and objects significantly influences their understanding of composition and phenomena. A theoretical framework based on Piaget's concept of 'action' explains how children develop their understanding of matter. This framework suggests that distinguishing between the intensive properties of matter and the extensive properties of objects early in education can enhance students' conceptual clarity7.
Philosophical and Psychological Dimensions of Matter
Form Without Matter
The doctrine of hylomorphism, which posits that every concrete thing is a combination of matter and form, is challenged by the notion that individual concrete things can be identified solely by their substantial form. This perspective argues that form and matter are relatively independent, and form alone provides the principle of individuation and identity for concrete things8.
Mattering in Society
The concept of mattering extends beyond physical substance to psychological and social dimensions. Mattering involves feeling valued and adding value to oneself, others, work, and community. A balanced sense of mattering is crucial for personal, relational, and collective well-being. However, dominant neoliberal philosophies often undermine this balance, leading to diminished feelings of mattering and contributing to social and political unrest5.
Conclusion
Matter, in its various forms and interpretations, is a fundamental concept that spans physical, philosophical, and psychological domains. Understanding its composition, properties, and the ways in which it is perceived and taught can provide deeper insights into both the physical world and human experience.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
1. What is matter?
All matter is made of atoms, with a variety of shapes, sizes, and compositions, resulting in immense variety and complexity.
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.
Does it matter to define what is matter? A primer for materialists and beyond
This paper explores the foundations of materialism and realism and suggests Consciousness as the basic stuff of all that exists, challenging the foundations of Materialism and Realism.
Matter and Mass
A logical measurement scale can restore glory to matter as the only substance that can provide existence to all real objects, restoring its importance as the only substance that can provide objective existence in space and physical reality.
PreprintMattering at the Intersection of Psychology, Philosophy, and Politics.
To ensure everyone matters, we must align psychology, philosophy, and politics to balance personal, relational, and collective well-being, addressing the negative effects of neoliberal policies on individuals' sense of value.
Highly CitedStudents’ progression in understanding the matter concept
Students progress in understanding four big ideas about matter (structure, composition, physical properties, chemical reaction, and conservation) through a hierarchical series of levels, with three of them developing in parallel.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedSurvey of research related to the development of the concept of ‘matter’
The clear distinction between matter and objects influences children's explanations of composition and phenomena, with early schooling focusing on intensive properties of matter and extensive properties of objects.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedThe Most Active Matter of All
The term "matter" encompasses everything from molecules to mountains. It also includes living, sentient beings. If matter composes all physical things, and materials science considers the behavior of such things, can materials science describe the most active matter of all?
Digital materiality? How artifacts without matter, matter
Digital artifacts have materiality as the practical instantiation or significance of theoretical ideas, rather than physical substances, which can help integrate technology with organization theory and social theory.
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