Explore Newton’s Mind: Gravity, God, and the Mysteries of Action at a Distance
Dive into one of the most profound philosophical and scientific debates inspired by Isaac Newton’s groundbreaking works. Nicolae Sfetcu’s “Isaac Newton on the Action at a Distance in Gravity: With or Without God?” takes you on a journey through Newton’s intricate thoughts on gravity, divine intervention, and the enigmatic forces that govern the universe.
This scholarly work explores the controversial interpretations of Newton’s writings, especially his grappling with the concept of action at a distance in gravity. Was gravity an innate property of matter, a divine act, or mediated by some unseen ether? Sfetcu meticulously analyzes Newton’s primary texts, including Principia Mathematica and Opticks, as well as his correspondence with Richard Bentley.
Key Features:
- Philosophical Insight: Examines Newton’s oscillation between natural science and theology.
- Historical Context: Discusses the broader implications of Newton’s ideas in relation to atheism and religion.
- Scholarly Analysis: References renowned scholars such as Andrew Janiak, John Henry, and Eric Schliesser for a comprehensive perspective.
- Theological Reflection: Investigates Newton’s views on God’s role as the primary or secondary cause in gravitational phenomena.
Why Read This Book?
- For the Philosopher: Uncover the interplay of science and metaphysics in Newton’s thought.
- For the Scientist: Gain a historical perspective on the evolution of gravitational theory.
- For the Curious Mind: Explore the intersection of faith, science, and reason in the Enlightenment era.
About the Author:
Nicolae Sfetcu is a renowned scholar and philosopher, dedicated to unraveling the complex relationships between science, philosophy, and theology. His works are acclaimed for their clarity and intellectual depth.
Explore the forces that shape our universe. Purchase “Isaac Newton on the Action at a Distance in Gravity: With or Without God?” today and delve into the mind of a genius.
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The interpretation of Isaac Newton’s texts has sparked controversy to this day. One of the most heated debates relates to the action between two bodies distant from each other (the gravitational attraction), and to what extent Newton involved God in this case. Practically, most of the papers discuss four types of gravitational attractions in the case of remote bodies: direct distance action as intrinsic property of bodies in epicurean sense; direct remote action divinely mediated by God; remote action mediated by a material ether; or remote action mediated by an immaterial ether. The purpose of this paper is to argue that Newton categorically rejected the types of direct action as the intrinsic property of bodies, and remote action mediated by a material ether. Concerning the other two types of action, direct through divine intervention and mediated through an immaterial environment, Newton has repeatedly stated that he does not know the exact cause of gravity, but in both cases, he has directly involved God, directly in the first case and as the primary cause (the environment/ether being the secondary cause) in immaterial mediated action. But since recognition of direct distance action could have given some credit to those who thought gravity could be essential to matter, and hence to atheism, Newton never openly acknowledged the possibility of such an idea.
Keywords: Isaac Newton, action at a distance, God, gravity, gravity law, gravitation
CONTENTS
Abstract
Introduction
Principia
Correspondence with Richard Bentley
Queries in Opticks
Conclusions
Bibliography
MultiMedia Publishing https://www.telework.ro/en/e-books/isaac-newton-on-the-action-at-a-distance-in-gravity-with-or-without-god/
EPUB (ISBN 978-606-033-203-9), Kindle (ISBN 978-606-033-202-2), PDF (ISBN 978-606-033-201-5)
DOI: 10.58679/TW14959
(16.02.2019)
ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/331159068_Isaac_Newton_on_the_action_at_a_distance_in_gravity_With_or_without_God
PhilPapers.org: https://philpapers.org/rec/SFEINO
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