Interpreting Newton: Critical EssaysAndrew Janiak, Eric Schliesser This collection of specially-commissioned essays by leading scholars presents new research on Isaac Newton and his main philosophical interlocutors and critics. The essays analyze Newton's relation to his contemporaries, especially Barrow, Descartes, Leibniz and Locke, and discuss the ways in which a broad range of figures, including Hume, Maclaurin, Maupertuis, and Kant, reacted to his thought. The wide range of topics discussed includes the laws of nature, the notion of force, the relation of mathematics to nature, Newton's argument for universal gravitation, his attitude toward philosophical empiricism, his use of "fluxions," his approach toward measurement problems, and his concept of absolute motion, together with new interpretations of Newton's matter theory. The volume concludes with an extended essay that analyzes the changes in physics wrought by Newton's Principia. A substantial introduction and bibliography provide essential reference guides. |
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absolute motion absolute space acceleration according account of body analysis apply argues argument attraction Barrow body's Boyle Boyle's Cartesian causal cause centripetal centripetal force claim Cotes curves deduced definition demonstrated derived Descartes Descartes's discussion disposition distinction edition empirical Essay evidence example experience explain geometrical gravitational force Gravitatione gravity Hume Huygens hypotheses idea ideal impenetrability impressed force inductive inertia inference interaction inverse-square inverse-square law Isaac Newton Janiak Kant laws of motion Leibniz Locke Locke’s MacLaurin mass mathematical Maupertuis measure mechanical philosophy mechanics metaphysics method move natural philosophy Newton Newton's method Newtonian Newtonian gravity objects observed orbits phenomena Philosophy of Science physical planets postulates precession Principia principles problem property of bodies propositions punctual speeds qualities quantity of matter quantity of motion question reasoning relation rule Schliesser Scholium scientific sense Smith Socratic Problem spacetime Spinoza Stein structural assumptions theoretical theory third law true motion University Press velocity