Space as atsight is the datum. It is the immediate presence of relations
among the sensory impressions. This, however, is not as yet that
something which we generally call space. That which generally goes by the
name of space is a construction built out of the relational data that
obtain in experience and we propose to call it space-conception. Our
space-conception, accordingly, (and here I include the mathematician’s
space-conception) is based upon space as atsight, but it is more
than atsight. It is an inference made therefrom, it is the product
of experience. Space-conception, however, is as are all legitimate
noumena, no mere subjective illusion, it possesses objective validity;
it describes some real existence and this real existence represented in
space-conception is what may be called objective space.
Objective space is the form of reality. Space as atsight is the form of
sensibility. Space as space-conception is a construct of an abstract
nature and serves as a description or plan of the form of reality.
The same is true of Time. Time as atsight is the relation of succession
obtaining in the changes of experience. Time as time-conception is the
noumenon constructed out of these data to represent that feature of
reality which may for lack of a better term be called objective time.
Briefly: Space and Time are not things, not essences, not entities,
but certain features of existence. They are the forms of reality. When
existence finds a representation in the feelings of a sentient being,
time and space appear as their forms, and these forms furnish the
material out of which are built the conceptions of Space and Time.