Physics competition between two geniuses

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around a comparison of the intellectual contributions of Isaac Newton and Leonardo da Vinci, particularly in the realm of physics. Participants explore the merits and achievements of both figures, debating their respective impacts on the field and the nature of their genius.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that Newton is significantly smarter than da Vinci in the field of physics, citing his numerous physical laws and theoretical contributions.
  • Others argue that comparing the two is problematic due to the historical and contextual differences in their work and the evolution of scientific knowledge.
  • A few participants emphasize da Vinci's creativity and contributions to various fields, suggesting that his insights should not be overlooked despite his lack of formal laws in physics.
  • There are claims that the question of who is "smarter" is inherently flawed, as intelligence cannot be meaningfully measured across different eras.
  • Some participants express frustration with the nature of the poll, suggesting it is a poor comparison or a "dumb poll," while others vote for da Vinci in defiance of the prevailing opinion.
  • One participant mentions the scientific method and suggests comparing Newton to other historical figures like Alhazen instead.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the merits of Newton versus da Vinci, with multiple competing views presented. There is no consensus on who is the superior figure in physics, and the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Some arguments rely on assumptions about the nature of intelligence and the historical context of each figure's contributions, which are not fully explored or agreed upon by participants.

Who's smarter at physics: Newton or da Vinci?

  • Sir Isaac Newton.

    Votes: 34 85.0%
  • Leonardo da Vinci.

    Votes: 6 15.0%

  • Total voters
    40
jhooper3581
Messages
49
Reaction score
0
Who is it?
 
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I think there is very little question that Newton was orders of magnitude smarter than Da Vinci.
 
I give up. Who?
 
Neither. They are equally disengaged.
 
I have decided that Newton dominates da Vinci at physics.

Phrak, think about it. Newton is a physics genius, and da Vinci is nowhere the level of Newton's genius.
 
So how many physical laws does Da Vinci have named after him?

I rest my case.
 
Topher925, da Vinci might have worked on a little bit of physics too back in Renaissance times, but his work is no where near Newton's physical laws. So, you agree with me that Newton is better at physics, right? :wink:
 
No contest

Newton

This is like Brock Lesnar fighting BJ Penn.
 
  • #10
This could be the most one-sided fight since 1973 when Ali faced an eighty-foot tall mechanical Joe Frazier. My memory isn't what it used to be, but I think the entire Earth was destroyed.
 
  • #11
How can you compare these two men? They are separated by several generations, with the likes of Galileo coming in between. Much of what a single man can do is determined by what has been done before. Newton had the benefit of reading about the life and methods of both Galileo and DaVinci. This was the beginning of the continual piling up of knowledge. The result of this is that we can learn the life works on any of these men in a few months of study.

One "smarter" then the other? We can not meaningfully measure the intelligence of people currently living, how can you possibly compare the intelligences of men long dead?
 
  • #12
Integral, I don't have any clue why in the world some people reply to a topic such as "Can't compare . . . blahblahblah and why why why". Why is this so common?

The thread was about who's smarter at physics, and the fact is that Newton is the smarter one for physics than da Vinci. Admit it.
 
  • #13
Topher925 said:
So how many physical laws does Da Vinci have named after him?

I rest my case.

i think da vinci worked with lunes lunes in geometry...

...search search... aha:
http://www.hypatiamaze.org/leonardo/leo_lune.html
http://www.hypatiamaze.org/leonardo/leo_lune2.html

other than that stuff he didn't do much in math & i doubt he did anything like what Newton did
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #14
Could Newton paint?

I don't remember DaVinci ever trying to pass himself off as a physicist. Dumb poll, IMHO.
 
  • #15
This is off topic but "da Vinci" wasn't Leonardo's last name, da Vinci is added to the end of his name because he was from the Italian town of Vinci. Calling Leonardo da Vinci by "da Vinci" is like calling Archimedes of Syracuse by "of Syracuse."
 
  • #16
To the OP: You are comparing a top-notch theoretician to a top-notch inventor, engineer, and artisan. I know who I'd rather have designing the fortifications of my city.

Who is more talented? Stephen Hawking or Tiger Woods. Pick one.
 
  • #17
Neither, Archimedes is the smartest.
 
  • #18
Cyclovenom said:
Neither, Archimedes is the smartest.

Hmmm
 
  • #19
I think a better poll would have put Isaac Newton up against someone WHO WAS ACTUALLY A PHYSICIST...
 
  • #20
This is like asking Einstein Vs. Edison
 
  • #21
Instead of you guys complaining, why not just talk about the physics competition between Newton and Leonardo?
 
  • #22
In all fairness, it was Da Vinci who from first principles concluded he would be thought of as a worse physicist than Newton in 400 years
 
  • #23
not to misestimate Newton’s achievements, but how about comparing him to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alhazen" ?, I believe the later was the first who use the scientific method...

here’s a talk about him by prof. Jim Al-Khalili
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2LYRdD_bSU
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #24
Isaac Newton, hands down. da Vinci may have had quite a bit of insight, but Newton, at least in my knowledge, was the only of the two to make great strides based on his insight.
**first post!**
 
  • #25
this is the dumbest poll ever, so I'll vote for Da Vinci in defiance
 
  • #26
jhooper3581 said:
Integral, I don't have any clue why in the world some people reply to a topic such as "Can't compare . . . blahblahblah and why why why". Why is this so common?

The thread was about who's smarter at physics, and the fact is that Newton is the smarter one for physics than da Vinci. Admit it.

Why did you ask the question when you already know the answer?

I ll go with what integral said.
 
  • #27
emyt said:
this is the dumbest poll ever, so I'll vote for Da Vinci in defiance

hahaha me too! Defiant 'till I die.

I thought there was an actual physics competition going on when I read the title. Caught my attention. I hate you jhooper3581.
 

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