noun a Latin term meaning 'action at a distance'
preposition a word that shows the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and other words in a sentence
In philosophy, actio in distans is a concept that challenges the idea of direct causation, suggesting that effects can occur without a proximate cause.
In physics, actio in distans refers to action at a distance, such as gravitational or electromagnetic forces that act between objects without direct contact.
In occultism and esoteric traditions, actio in distans is sometimes associated with paranormal phenomena like telekinesis or telepathy, where actions occur without physical means.
In metaphysics, actio in distans is often discussed in relation to the mind-body problem, exploring how mental events can influence physical events without physical contact.
In literature, 'actio in distans' can be used to describe the concept of characters affecting each other from a distance without physical contact, such as through thoughts or emotions.
Psychologists may use 'actio in distans' to refer to the idea of emotional or psychological influence that can occur between individuals even when they are not in close proximity to each other.
Physicists may use 'actio in distans' to describe the phenomenon of action at a distance in the field of quantum mechanics, where particles can interact with each other instantaneously regardless of the distance separating them.
Historians may use 'actio in distans' to analyze historical events where the actions of one individual or group had far-reaching effects on others, even if they were geographically distant.