Cartesian Spacetime Descartes Physics and the Relational Theory of Space and Motion

Although Descartes' natural philosophy marked an advance in the development of modern science, many critics over the years, such as Newton, have rejected his particular `relational' theory of space and motion. Nevertheless, it is also true that most historians and philosophers have not sufficiently investigated the viability of the Cartesian theory.
This book explores, consequently, the success of the arguments against Descartes' theory of space and motion by determining if it is possible to formulate a version that can eliminate its alleged problems. In essence, this book comprises the first sustained attempt to construct a consistent `Cartesian' spacetime theory: that is, a theory of space and time that consistently incorporates Descartes' various physical and metaphysical concepts.
Intended for students in the history of philosophy and science, this study reveals the sophisticated insights, and often quite successful elements, in Descartes' unjustly neglected relational theory of space and motion.

Summary

Although Descartes' natural philosophy marked an advance in the development of modern science, many critics over the years, such as Newton, have rejected his particular `relational' theory of space and motion. Nevertheless, it is also true that most historians and philosophers have not sufficiently investigated the viability of the Cartesian theory.


This book explores, consequently, the success of the arguments against Descartes' theory of space and motion by determining if it is possible to formulate a version that can eliminate its alleged problems. In essence, this book comprises the first sustained attempt to construct a consistent `Cartesian' spacetime theory: that is, a theory of space and time that consistently incorporates Descartes' various physical and metaphysical concepts.


Intended for students in the history of philosophy and science, this study reveals the sophisticated insights, and often quite successful elements, in Descartes' unjustly neglected relational theory of space and motion.

Product details

• Authors: E Slowik, Edward Slowik, E. Slowik
• Publisher: Springer Netherlands
• Content: Book
• Product form: Hardback
• Publication date: 29.03.2011
• Subject: Humanities, art, music > Philosophy > Renaissance, Enlightenment; Non-fiction book > Philosophy, religion > Philosophy: antiquity to present day
• EAN: 9781402002656
• ISBN: 978-1-4020-0265-6
• Pages: 252
• Illustrations: XII, 252 p.
• Dimensions (packing): 16.3 x 23.9 cm
• Weight (packing): 542 g
• Series: International Archives of the History of Ideas > Vol.181, International Archives of the History of Ideas Archives internationales d'histoire des idées > 181, International Archives of the History of Ideas / Archives Internationales d'Histoire des Idees, International Archives of the History of Ideas > Vol.181, International Archives of the History of Ideas Archives internationales d'histoire des idées, International Archives of the History of Ideas / Archives internationales d'histoire des idées > 181
• Subjects: B, History of Science, Physics, Philosophy: metaphysics & ontology, Applications of Mathematics, Metaphysics, Philosophical Foundations of Physics and Astronomy, History and Philosophical Foundations of Physics, Religion and Philosophy, Engineering mathematics, Applied mathematics, Modern Philosophy, Early Modern Philosophy