International Archives of the History of Ideas Archives Inte

Descartes' Physics and the Relational Theory of Space and Motion

By: Edward Slowik

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Hardcover | 28 February 2002

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Hardcover
268 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
24.77 x 16.51 x 1.91

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Although Descartes' natural philosophy marked an advance in the development of modern science, many critics over the years, such as Newton, have rejected his particular `relational' theory of space and motion. Nevertheless, it is also true that most historians and philosophers have not sufficiently investigated the viability of the Cartesian theory.
This book explores, consequently, the success of the arguments against Descartes' theory of space and motion by determining if it is possible to formulate a version that can eliminate its alleged problems. In essence, this book comprises the first sustained attempt to construct a consistent `Cartesian' spacetime theory: that is, a theory of space and time that consistently incorporates Descartes' various physical and metaphysical concepts.
Intended for students in the history of philosophy and science, this study reveals the sophisticated insights, and often quite successful elements, in Descartes' unjustly neglected relational theory of space and motion.

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You Can Find This Book In

Non-Fiction Philosophy Metaphysics & Ontology Science Science in General Philosophy of Science History of Western Philosophy Western Philosophy Astronomy, Space & Time Cosmology & The Universe Mathematics Applied Mathematics

Physics

Preface	p. xi
Introduction	p. 1
Descartes, Newton, and the Absolute/Relational Spacetime Debate
Newton's De Gravitatione Argument Against Cartesian Dynamics	p. 9
The Two Trends in Cartesian Natural Philosophy	p. 10
Newton's Argument Against Cartesian Relationalism	p. 12
Endnotes	p. 15
The Structure of Spacetime Theories	p. 19
Newtonian Space and Time	p. 19
Galilean Relativity and Neo-Newtonian Spacetime	p. 25
A Frame Independent Interpretation of Neo-Newtonian Spacetime	p. 31
Conclusions: Newton's Argument Updated	p. 35
Endnotes	p. 40
Cartesian Physics	p. 43
The Cartesian Natural Laws	p. 45
The Laws of Motion	p. 45
The Role of "Force" in Cartesian Natural Philosophy	p. 52
The Cartesian Natural Laws and Relational Motion	p. 59
Appendix: Circular Inertia	p. 62
Endnotes	p. 71
Matter and Substance in the Cartesian Universe	p. 75
"Perfect Solidity" and the Natural Laws	p. 75
Non-Idealized Conditions and the Natural Laws	p. 86
Cartesian Corporeal Substance	p. 90
Concluding Remarks	p. 101
Endnotes	p. 101
Quantity of Motion	p. 109
Quantity of Motion	p. 109
Quantity of Motion in Cartesian Natural Philosophy	p. 111
Quantity of Moion in the Cartesian Plenum	p. 118
Conclusions	p. 128
Endnotes	p. 129
Constructing a Cartesian Spacetime	p. 135
Relational Spacetime and Cartesian Dynamics	p. 137
Cartesian Space and Motion	p. 138
Cartesian Relationalism	p. 142
Relationalist Strategies	p. 149
Dynamical Considerations	p. 153
Conclusions	p. 159
Endnotes	p. 160
The Kinematic Logic of Relational Transfer	p. 163
Introduction	p. 163
The "Single Body" and "Whole Body" Displacement Hypotheses	p. 165
Critical Responses to the Hypotheses	p. 168
Final Assessment of the Hypotheses	p. 172
Endnotes	p. 174
Constructing a Cartesian Dynamics Without "Fixed" Reference Frames	p. 177
Descartes, Huygens, and the Center-of-Mass Reference Frame	p. 178
Huygens on Conservation Laws, Impact, and Force	p. 182
The Newtonian Reply	p. 186
Constructing a Center-of-Mass Reference Frame	p. 192
Conclusions	p. 196
Endnotes	p. 197
Constructing a Cartesian Dynamics With "Fixed Reference Frames	p. 201
The Cartesian Vortex and Newton's De Gravitatione Argument	p. 203
Kinematics of Mechanisms and Cartesian Spacetime	p. 206
Developing a Kinematics of Mechanisms Cartesian Spacetime	p. 214
Invaiant Universal Quantities of Motion	p. 221
Conclusions	p. 224
Endnotes	p. 225
Conclusion	p. 227
Bibliography	p. 229
Index	p. 239
Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.

International Archives of the History of Ideas Archives Inte

Descartes' Physics and the Relational Theory of Space and Motion

At a Glance

Hardcover

Shipping

How to return your order

Defective items

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