To find the total force exerted by the weightlifter, one must consider both the gravitational force acting on the weight and the force applied to accelerate it. The net force calculated as (140 kg)*(0.47 m/s^2) only accounts for the acceleration and neglects the weight of the lifter and the lifted object. The total force includes the gravitational force on both the weightlifter and the weight, plus the force needed for acceleration. Newton's laws, particularly the second and third, are relevant in this context for understanding the forces involved.