ENERGY AS A FACTOR OF STATE LAW REALITY (FORMATION OF VIEWS ON THE PHENOMENON OF ENERGY IN ANTIQUITY AND THE MIDDLE AGES)

Abstract

The theory of the state emphasizes the energy function associated with the state intensive activity in the search for affordable and cheap energy, alternative sources of its production, ensuring smooth functioning of the energy system of the country and individual regions. The relevance of the article is due to the need to form a unified approach to the nature of such a phenomenon as «energy», taking into account its role in the modern world. Purpose: to perform a retrospective analysis of philosophical and scientific ideas on energy, to reveal their influence on the development of the state, society and personality. The work uses general scientific principles and methods of research. The article is based on monographs and essays on ancient philosophy, medieval society, history of the development of science and technology. In the course of the study, the authors conclude that energy as a scientific category did not exist in Antiquity and the Middle Ages. The word «energy», mentioned in the works of Aristotle, was used by him in the direct lexical sense – as «actuality», «reality». The first scientific definition of energy was given only in 1853. The formation of scientific views on the phenomenon of energy was preceded by ideas and hypotheses about the essence of certain manifestations of energy (fire, heat, magnetism, lightning). Most of such hypotheses emerged in Antiquity and were developed in the Middle Ages. Among the concepts of ancient philosophers, which are interesting for this research, the authors highlight Heraclitus’s doctrine on fire, Democritus’s atomistic theory, as well as the teachings of philosophers of the Milesian school on «beginning of all beginnings». The authors draw attention to the fact that modern views on energy and hypotheses about its nature were originally put forward in Antiquity. In the Middle Ages, a contribution was made to the study of such categories as space, time and movement, without which it is impossible to form holistic views of energy.

Keywords

• energy
• energy supply
• energy consumption
• energy function of the state
• concept of energy
• aristotle’s mechanics
• «impetus» theory