Does Space Need to Be Filled for Distance to Exist Between Two Objects?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the conceptual question of whether space needs to be filled for distance to exist between two objects. Participants explore the implications of this idea in relation to physical objects, such as planets, and the nature of space itself.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that space must be filled for distance to exist, using the example of two planets and questioning whether they would touch if the space between them were empty.
  • Another participant counters this view by stating that space is defined as a lack of things and does not need to be filled, implying that distance can exist without any physical substance in between.
  • A third participant questions the initial assertion about space needing to be filled, asking for evidence to support this claim.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of space and its relationship to distance, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain without consensus.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the ambiguity surrounding the definitions of space and distance, as well as the assumptions underlying the claims made by participants.

nick1o2
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Something i need an awnser to! Its not homework just somehtign that has keeped me form sleeping for awhile.

But here's my view on it:

Space would need to be filled, so it can have a property fo distance bettween two thigns. Like if you had two planets netx to each other and youy take everyhting in the middle out so there is nothign doesn't that eman the two planets should be together toughing not apart?

Can soemone help me on this please? thanks.
 
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Welcome to PF, Nick.
There really is no easy answer to your question. Space is not a thing... it's a lack of things. It doesn't need to be filled with anything, because its very nature is to not be filled with anything. When you get into virtual particles, zero point energy, etc., that's a whole different scene which I am not qualified to comment upon.
 
Thankyou! :eek:
 
You have a strange way of asking questions! Your question, in the title of this thread, is "Does space need to be filled?" but the main sentence in your post is the bald assertion "Space would need to be filled". If you believe that, why ask, and what evidence do you have that this is true?
 
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