What level of mathematics did Newton know when he made his discoveries

In summary, the conversation discusses the simplicity and complexity of Newton's theory of gravity and its impact on future scientific discoveries. It is debated whether Newton actually invented calculus or discovered it, and the potential for another intelligence to discover the same mathematical concepts. The conversation then shifts to the efficiency of calculus and whether there are other ways to approach and solve problems involving motion. However, this topic is considered philosophy and not allowed in the discussion.
  • #1
Gondur
25
0
When Isaac Newton discovered the theory of gravity, which is very simple, yet fundamental in its premise: The product of two masses and some scale factor divided by the square of the distance between them gives the force of said masses in Newtons. Am I right to assume Newton only knew of Algebra and Calculus on a high school level, perhaps calculus III, when he made this discovery? Had Newton lived today then would he be as prolific in his discoveries? Is a great mind always great or was he simply in the right era at the right time for his discoveries?

There are lot of scientists advancing branches of mathematics and physics in these times, yet none of them are regarded as geniuses in respect to Newton or Einstein. Most people haven't heard of their names because their work, albeit complex, is only conjecture and incredibly obscure relative to the theory of Gravity, which has been proven many times in many ways. So given that we know of gravity through Newton and Einstein, in what field will the next prolific genius be in? What will his work consist of? Will the general public be able to comprehend his work as we can intuitively understand Newton's and some of Einstein's or will only those with expertise, PhDs, Masters, be able to understand it?

Newton's work is irreducibly simple, yet overwhelming complex. It's simple because the formula is so elegant and understandable to many people outside of academia. Yet, it's complex because only a genius could make the observations Newton did at the times he lived. But then Einstein came along and added an extra dimension to Newton's discovery, which effectively made any subsequent work inaccessible to the general public, like the emergence of Quantum Physics. To understand the mathematics of discovery we have today, you will need a college degree and a lot of experience behind you.

When will our discoveries stop? Like I said, what is the next big discovery waiting to happen in Science and will we all be able to understand it like we can Newton's work.? Or to put it another way, what will someone have to discover to be up there with Newton and Einstein, remembered from generation to the next?
 
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  • #2
Gondur said:
Am I right to assume Newton only knew of Algebra and Calculus on a high school level, perhaps calculus III, when he made this discovery?

No. Newton didn't know anything about calculus. He invented calculus in order to solve his problem.
 
  • #3
micromass said:
No. Newton didn't know anything about calculus. He invented calculus in order to solve his problem.

'Invented' or 'Discovered'? Two very different things and only one of them applies here. Are you positing Calculus doesn't exist outside of human thought? What am I trying to say... Was calculus incidental to human consciousness, or is it woven into the nature of reality? Should another intelligence come along and observe our reality, would their ideas converge on a calculus model? I guess so given that both Leibniz and Newton discovered calculus independently of each other but they are both human. What are the chances of another kind of intelligence discovering calculus as we know it. Having said this, if Newton did invent rather than discover calculus, then there are other ways for which problems involving motion can be approached and solved? But then, is calculus the most efficient of all potential methods given that it's been with us now since the 17th century?
 
  • #4
He needed something to express the orbit of Mercury around the Sun, so he invented calculus for that purpose. At the time he invented it for himself, so it means little if he ACTUALLY invented it or discovered it or what ever wordgame you prefer, fact is, he invented it for himself - the legal copyright gibberish excluded.
 
  • #5
And this thread is probably going to be closed in 3,2,1...
 
  • #6
WannabeNewton said:
And this thread is probably going to be closed in 3,2,1...

Zero.
 
  • #7
Reason for lock:

Gondur said:
'Invented' or 'Discovered'? Two very different things and only one of them applies here. Are you positing Calculus doesn't exist outside of human thought? What am I trying to say... Was calculus incidental to human consciousness, or is it woven into the nature of reality? Should another intelligence come along and observe our reality, would their ideas converge on a calculus model? I guess so given that both Leibniz and Newton discovered calculus independently of each other but they are both human. What are the chances of another kind of intelligence discovering calculus as we know it. Having said this, if Newton did invent rather than discover calculus, then there are other ways for which problems involving motion can be approached and solved? But then, is calculus the most efficient of all potential methods given that it's been with us now since the 17th century?

This is philosophy so not allowed.
 

1. What level of mathematics did Newton know when he made his discoveries?

Isaac Newton was a highly skilled mathematician, and he had a deep understanding of calculus, geometry, and algebra. He also had a strong grasp of mathematical concepts such as infinite series and the binomial theorem. He was well-versed in both theoretical and applied mathematics, which allowed him to make groundbreaking discoveries in physics.

2. Did Newton have formal training in mathematics?

Yes, Newton received a formal education in mathematics during his time at Cambridge University. He studied at Trinity College and was taught by some of the most prominent mathematicians of his time, including Isaac Barrow and John Wallis. However, much of his knowledge and understanding of mathematics came from his own independent studies and discoveries.

3. How did Newton's mathematical knowledge contribute to his scientific achievements?

Newton's extensive knowledge of mathematics played a crucial role in his scientific achievements. He was able to develop complex mathematical equations and models to explain natural phenomena, such as gravity and the laws of motion. His understanding of mathematics also allowed him to make precise and accurate calculations, which helped validate his theories.

4. Was Newton's mathematical knowledge ahead of his time?

Yes, Newton's mathematical knowledge was considered to be far ahead of his time. He made significant contributions to the development of calculus, which was not fully understood and accepted by the scientific community until many years later. His use of mathematical principles and techniques in his studies of physics was groundbreaking and helped pave the way for future discoveries in the field.

5. How did Newton's mathematical discoveries impact the scientific world?

Newton's mathematical discoveries had a profound impact on the scientific world. His laws of motion and theory of gravity revolutionized the understanding of the physical world and laid the foundation for modern physics. His work also greatly influenced other areas of science, including astronomy, mechanics, and optics. Today, Newton's mathematical contributions are still widely used and studied in various fields of science.

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