''From Newton΄s physics to Newtonian mechanics: The development of mechanics from the Principia to the classical mechanics of the 18th century''

Postgraduate Thesis uoadl:2886633 274 Read counter

Unit:
Κατεύθυνση Φιλοσοφία των Επιστημών και της Τεχνολογίας
Library of the School of Science
Deposit date:
2019-12-05
Year:
2019
Author:
Kanellou Panagoula
Supervisors info:
Θεόδωρος Αραμπατζής, Καθηγητής, Τμήμα Ιστορίας και Φιλοσοφίας της Επιστήμης, ΕΚΠΑ
Original Title:
Από τη μηχανική του Νεύτωνα στη Νευτώνεια μηχανική: Η εξέλιξη της μηχανικής από τις Principia στην κλασική μηχανικήτου 18ου αιώνα.
Languages:
Greek
Translated title:
''From Newton΄s physics to Newtonian mechanics: The development of mechanics from the Principia to the classical mechanics of the 18th century''
Summary:
We discuss the development of Analytic Mechanic from the Principia of Isaak Newton to the establishment of Classical Mechanic in the 18th century, while we focus on the interpretation of the geometric construction of the Principia by the scientific community of the 18th century. The scientific conditions of the period and the main characters which play role on the development of the Analytic mechanic, from the end of the 17th century, are also discussed.
In the first chapter of the dissertation, we review the work of Newton as it is presented in Principia. Newton presents a systematic approach of the three fundamental laws which describe the motion of particles. Additionally, with the law of gravity which is also presented in Principia, Newton provides a fundamental explanation for the motion of celestial objects. Furthermore, defines the ideas of absolute time and space, which are necessary for the establishment of Newtonian Mechanics.
In the second chapter of this work, we investigate the advent of Principia in the scientific community of France in the 17th century. The work of Newton was initially regarded as a brilliant treatise on mechanics but not as a work of physical philosophy. We focus on the famous controversy between Newton and Leibniz on the two different interpretations of calculus. We conclude the chapter with a discussion on the contribution of the mathematicians and physical philosophers of France in the establishment of the Analytical Mechanic during the 17th century.
In the third and final chapter of the dissertation, we see that in 18th century separates geometry from analysis. Leonard Euler and Joseph Luis Lagrang are the main representatives of this century. The idea of an analytic expression has been introduced and plays a dominant role. Principle of vis viva; or the principle of least action developed to a new form.
Main subject category:
Science
Keywords:
Newton, Principia, Mechanics, Calculus, Analysis
Index:
No
Number of index pages:
0
Contains images:
No
Number of references:
22
Number of pages:
85
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