Aether theories
Overview
Physics
Physics is a natural science that involves the study of matter and its motion through spacetime, along with related concepts such as energy and force. More broadly, it is the general analysis of nature, conducted in order to understand how the universe behaves.Physics is one of the oldest academic...
proposed the existence of a medium, the aether
Aether (classical element)
According to ancient and medieval science aether , also spelled æther or ether, is the material that fills the region of the universe above the terrestrial sphere.-Mythological origins:...
(also spelled ether, from the Greek word , meaning "upper air" or "pure, fresh air"), a space-filling substance or field, thought to be necessary as a transmission medium
Transmission medium
A transmission medium is a material substance that can propagate energy waves...
for the propagation of electromagnetic waves. The assorted aether theories embody the various conceptions of this "medium
Medium (optics)
An optical medium is material through which electromagnetic waves propagate. It is a form of transmission medium. The permittivity and permeability of the medium define how electromagnetic waves propagate in it...
" and "substance
Substance theory
Substance theory, or substance attribute theory, is an ontological theory about objecthood, positing that a substance is distinct from its properties. A thing-in-itself is a property-bearer that must be distinguished from the properties it bears....
". This early modern aether has little in common with the aether of classical elements
Aether (classical element)
According to ancient and medieval science aether , also spelled æther or ether, is the material that fills the region of the universe above the terrestrial sphere.-Mythological origins:...
from which the name was borrowed.
Although hypotheses of the aether vary somewhat in detail they all have certain characteristics in common.
