Reading Newton's Principia while taking my Physics Mechanics class

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the value of reading Newton's "Principia" as a supplementary resource for a first-year Physics Mechanics class. Participants explore whether engaging with this historical text would enhance understanding of mechanics or prove to be more confusing than beneficial.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that reading "Principia" could provide a deep understanding of mechanics, particularly in appreciating historical scientific development.
  • Others argue that the text's outdated notation and mathematical approach may render it impractical for modern learners.
  • A participant mentions that Newton's geometrical methods are complex and not aligned with contemporary teaching methods, which often utilize calculus and vectors.
  • Some express a preference for more accessible resources, such as Feynman's lectures, which may present similar concepts in a more understandable manner.
  • There is a viewpoint that reading historical texts should ideally follow learning the material through standard approaches to avoid confusion.
  • One participant encourages trying to find a friendly translation or abridgement of "Principia" aimed at undergraduates.
  • Another participant shares a personal experience of finding value in reading even small portions of Newton's work, suggesting that any engagement with such foundational texts can be beneficial.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express mixed opinions on the value of reading "Principia." While some see merit in the historical perspective, others caution against its potential to confuse first-year students. No consensus is reached on whether it is a good idea to read the text concurrently with learning mechanics.

Contextual Notes

Participants note limitations in the text's relevance due to its historical context, including outdated notation and mathematical methods that differ significantly from modern practices. There is also mention of the potential for confusion when juxtaposing historical and contemporary approaches to physics.

xdrgnh
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Is reading the Principia a good idea as a supplement for my physics Mechanics class I will be taking this year. The class is a 1st year class btw, I feel by reading it along with my textbook and lectures I will be able to develop a very deep understanding of Mechanics. Do you guys think it's a good idea.
 
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If you are interested in the history of science, I think it would be an excellent idea.

If you are just interested in science, though, I'm not so sure.

The problem is that math and science have both advanced quite far since Newton's day. Notation and units alone will likely make reading it of very little direct practical use.
 
I'm more into the science then the history, if it's not practical then I probably won't do it.
 
It will not help much.First it was wrote a long time ago in Latin and ideas are expressed in a weird way by modern standards . Second Principia does not use calculus or vectors. Newton uses a very intriguing geometrical approach which is at time almost incomprehensible.
A good supplement are Feynman's lectures volume 1.
Actually Feynman translated some Newton in this lecture.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0393039188/?tag=pfamazon01-20
 
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xdrgnh said:
Is reading the Principia a good idea as a supplement for my physics Mechanics class I will be taking this year. The class is a 1st year class btw, I feel by reading it along with my textbook and lectures I will be able to develop a very deep understanding of Mechanics. Do you guys think it's a good idea.


Waste of time. Probably more harmful as Newton used gay notation that isn't used.
 
simplicity123 said:
Waste of time. Probably more harmful as Newton used gay notation that isn't used.

A level of geometrical sophistication that almost no one bothers to achieve today does certainly not equate to "gay notation".:rolleyes:
 
Thanks for the Feynman lecture link I'll probably do that instead, it very interesting how the same arguments which are usually presented using calculus can be explained by using plane Geometry.
 
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xdrgnh said:
Is reading the Principia a good idea as a supplement for my physics Mechanics class I will be taking this year. The class is a 1st year class btw, I feel by reading it along with my textbook and lectures I will be able to develop a very deep understanding of Mechanics. Do you guys think it's a good idea.

I think it's a good thing because it will give you an appreciation of how much we've come in 400 years. You'll find the Principia totally abstruse and bewildering and it will take a while to figure out what Newton is trying to say. It's sort of like trying to build a house with hand tools instead of using a power saw. Educational.

Once you get done with that reading Maxwell's original papers when doing E&M.
 
^ Although that is true, I wouldn't necessarily suggest reading it while actually learning the material. The historical/original approach, although important in its own way, is probably not as intuitive or helpful as the conventional/standard approach.

In my opinion, reading the historical approach is best after having already learned the material (in the standard approach). That way, you get not only a review, but new insights into how the standard approach came to be and how the material itself even came to be. Learning both simultaneously, you could get pretty confused not knowing how to apply one approach versus the other.

bp_psy said:
A level of geometrical sophistication that almost no one bothers to achieve today does certainly not equate to "gay notation".:rolleyes:
That definitely made my day.
 
  • #10
twofish-quant said:
Once you get done with that reading Maxwell's original papers when doing E&M.

Love this response. Simply love this. :!)
 
  • #11
Why not give it a go? Try and find the friendliest translation/abridgement with explanations aimed at undergraduates. This looks possible:

http://www.greenlion.com/prin-rev.html
 
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  • #12
xd, i have lost my patience with you more than once. my apologies for that. In this case your question inspired me to look up a free copy of Newton online and read at least the first page or so. I encourage you to do the same. I really enjoyed it. do not saddle yourself with having to read any fixed amount. but in my experience any amount at all we read of such a brilliant man is helpful to us. peace.

[i also confess to enjoying maxwell.]
 

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