Uncovering the Origins of Dynamics: From Lucretius to Hobbs and Beyond

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SUMMARY

The discussion explores the historical foundations of dynamics, highlighting key works such as Lucretius' "De Rerum Natura," published around 60 BC, which introduces early atomic theory and the concept of resistance in motion. It also examines Thomas Hobbes' "Leviathan," published in 1651, where he provides a rudimentary summary of Newton's laws of motion, emphasizing their common-sense nature. The conversation underscores the importance of historical context in understanding scientific advancements, particularly how Newton built upon the ideas of his predecessors.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of classical mechanics, specifically Newton's laws of motion.
  • Familiarity with ancient philosophical texts, particularly Lucretius and Hobbes.
  • Knowledge of the historical timeline of scientific thought.
  • Basic comprehension of atomic theory and its evolution.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the influence of Lucretius on later scientific thought, particularly in atomic theory.
  • Study Thomas Hobbes' philosophical contributions and their impact on modern science.
  • Examine Isaac Newton's works and how they relate to earlier theories of motion.
  • Explore the history of dynamics and its development through various scientific epochs.
USEFUL FOR

Philosophers, historians of science, students of physics, and anyone interested in the evolution of scientific ideas and their historical context.

Keith Mackie
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You will get a very nice understanding of the origins of dynamics if you go back to the very beginnings:

1. Lucretius: De Rerum Natura - The Nature of Things published about 60 BC - about the time of Julius Caesar - Chaper 2, The Dance of the Atoms, an introduction to the eariest forms of atomic theory, lines 230 to 240 where he shows that bodies falling through viscous material i.e. air or water suffer a resistance to motion but if they fall though the void, all bodies fall at the same rate.

2. Thomas Hobbs: Levithian published in 1651 when Isaac Newton was only 8 years old. On page 3, chapter 2, 1st and 2nd paragraphs he gives a naive summary of Newton's three laws of motion stating that they are a matter of common sense to all men.

Neither at school nor at university nor anywhere else in a lifetime of reading in science, philosophy of science and science fiction have I ever come across these references. It seems there is much to discover in the archology of science!
 
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Keith Mackie said:
2. Thomas Hobbs: Levithian published in 1651 when Isaac Newton was only 8 years old. On page 3, chapter 2, 1st and 2nd paragraphs he gives a naive summary of Newton's three laws of motion stating that they are a matter of common sense to all men.

Newton studied the published works of those that had gone before him.

"If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants." Isaac Newton

Yes, the history of science is fascinating. It shows that knowledge is not often advanced in as large steps or as quickly as we are often led to believe.
 
Keith Mackie said:
2. Thomas Hobbs: Levithian published in 1651 when Isaac Newton was only 8 years old. On page 3, chapter 2, 1st and 2nd paragraphs he gives a naive summary of Newton's three laws of motion stating that they are a matter of common sense to all men.
I do see a statement of essentially Newton's 1st law, inertia. But nothing that could approach the 2nd or 3rd laws. Still, very interesting!
 

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