Philosophy and the Foundations of DynamicsAlthough now replaced by more modern theories, classical mechanics remains a core foundational element of physical theory. From its inception, the theory of dynamics has been riddled with conceptual issues and differing philosophical interpretations and throughout its long historical development, it has shown subtle conceptual refinement. The interpretive program for the theory has also shown deep evolutionary change over time. Lawrence Sklar discusses crucial issues in the central theory from which contemporary foundational theories are derived and shows how some core issues (the nature of force, the place of absolute reference frames) have nevertheless remained deep puzzles despite the increasingly sophisticated understanding of the theory which has been acquired over time. His book will be of great interest to philosophers of science, philosophers in general and physicists concerned with foundational interpretive issues in their field. |
Contents
Introduction page | 1 |
The astronomical revolution | 24 |
Precursors to Newtonian dynamics | 33 |
The Newtonian synthesis | 46 |
Philosophical aspects of the Newtonian synthesis | 57 |
The history of statics | 75 |
The Newtonian approach after Newton | 89 |
IO From virtual work to Lagranges equation | 96 |
Hamiltons equations | 128 |
Canonical transformations optical analogies | 137 |
The Search for new foundations | 144 |
I7 New directions in the applications of dynamics | 170 |
Spacetime formulations of Newtonian dynamics | 201 |
mass and force | 214 |
Relationist dynamics | 235 |
Modes of explanation | 245 |
Extremal principles | 102 |
Some philosophical reflections on explanation and theory | 110 |
I3 Conservation principles | 118 |
Retrospective and conclusions | 261 |
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Common terms and phrases
acceleration angular momentum applied asymmetry basic bodies Cartesian celestial mechanics chaos theory Chapter characterized classical dynamics collisions concepts configuration space conservation conservation of momentum constraints coordinates Copernicus cosmic cosmos d’Alembert defined definition derived Descartes difficult distance dynamical systems dynamical theory Earth elastic collisions energy equations equilibrium Euler example explanatory extremal principles final find finding first fixed stars fluid force formal foundational function fundamental Galilean spacetime Galileo gravitational Hamilton’s Hamiltonian Hertz Huyghens inertial frames inertial motion inertial reference frames infinite influence initial issues Lagrange later Leibniz mass mathematical matter metaphysical methods Moon moving nature Newton Newtonian dynamics Newtonian theory object observable ofthe orbits particles path phase space philosophical physical planets Poincaré position Principia Ptolemy reference frame reflection reformulation relationist relative role rotation solution spatial specific speed statics statistical mechanics structure sufficient theoretical things torques trajectories velocity