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

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In summary, the conversation discusses the origins of dynamics and references two works, De Rerum Natura and Levithian, that provide early insights into atomic theory and Newton's laws of motion. It also highlights the importance of studying the history of science and the incremental nature of knowledge advancement.
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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.
 
  • #3
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!
 

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

1. What is the significance of Lucretius in the study of dynamics?

Lucretius was a Roman philosopher and poet who wrote the epic poem "De Rerum Natura" (On the Nature of Things) in the 1st century BC. In this work, he proposed a theory of atomism and the concept of the "swerve" as the cause of motion in the universe. This idea was later influential in the development of dynamics and the study of motion.

2. How did Hobbes contribute to the understanding of dynamics?

Thomas Hobbes was an English philosopher who lived in the 17th century. In his work "Leviathan," he proposed a mechanistic view of the universe, in which all motion was the result of collisions between particles. This idea challenged the prevailing Aristotelian view of motion and laid the foundation for the modern understanding of dynamics.

3. What is the main focus of studying the origins of dynamics?

The main focus of studying the origins of dynamics is to trace the development of ideas and theories about motion and its causes throughout history. By understanding the contributions of philosophers and scientists from different time periods, we can gain insight into the evolution of our understanding of dynamics and its impact on modern science and technology.

4. How did ancient Greek philosophers contribute to the study of dynamics?

Ancient Greek philosophers, such as Aristotle and Archimedes, made significant contributions to the study of dynamics. Aristotle's theory of motion and his concept of natural and violent motion influenced scientific thought for centuries. Archimedes' work on the principles of mechanics and his law of the lever were also important in shaping our understanding of dynamics.

5. What are some modern applications of the principles of dynamics?

The principles of dynamics have many modern applications, including in engineering, physics, and technology. They are used in the design of structures, machines, and vehicles, as well as in the study of celestial mechanics and the behavior of particles in quantum mechanics. They also play a crucial role in understanding and predicting the motion of objects in space and on Earth.

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