Unit:
Κατεύθυνση Διδακτική και Μεθοδολογία των ΜαθηματικώνLibrary of the School of Science
Author:
Dimopoulos Dimitris
Supervisors info:
Χριστοπούλου Δήμητρα Αναπληρώτρια Καθηγήτρια Τμήμα Μαθηματικών ΕΚΠΑ, (Επιβλέπουσα),
Αναπολιτάνος Διονύσιος, Ομότιμος ΚαθηγητήςΤμήμα Μαθηματικών ΕΚΠΑ,
Ράπτης Ευάγγελος, Καθηγητής Τμήμα Μαθηματικών ΕΚΠΑ
Original Title:
Εννοιολογικές μεταβολές στην εφαρμογή των Μαθηματικών στη Φυσική από τον ύστερο 14ο έως τον 17ο αιώνα. Μια ιστορική και φιλοσοφική προσέγγιση
Translated title:
Conceptual changes in the application of mathematics to physics from the late 14th to the 17th century. A historical and philosophical approach
Summary:
This master's thesis examines the conceptual evolution of mathematics and its application to Physics from the late 14th to the 17th century, providing a dual approach: historical and philosophical. The research endeavour begins by investigating early attempts to mathematize motion and mechanics during the Renaissance, tracing the path from Aristotelian concepts to the innovative approaches of Merton College scholars and Nicolas Oresme. Subsequently, the study focuses on the transitional period of the 16th and 17th centuries, analysing the shift from Aristotelian cosmology to more precise mathematical descriptions of motion, culminating in the formulation of Newton's laws. The crucial contributions of thinkers such as Descartes, Galileo, and Newton are highlighted, emphasizing their catalytic role in the coupling of mathematics and physics. The philosophical aspect of the research delves into the fundamental issue of the applicability of mathematics to the natural sciences. Through the synthesis of historical developments and philosophical reflection, this thesis offers a comprehensive analysis of the evolution of mathematical concepts in the more accurate description of physical phenomena, concluding with a critical consideration of the broader implications of the effectiveness of mathematics in interpreting the natural world.
Main subject category:
Science
Keywords:
History of Mathematics, Philosophy of Mathematics, Mathematization, Scientific Revolution, Aristotelian Physics, Newtonian Mechanics, Kinematics, Mechanistic Philosophy, Applicability of Mathematics
Number of references:
103
