In Our Time Emilie du Châtelet
Feb 4, 2021
Join distinguished guests Patricia Fara, a historian of science, David Wootton, a historical insights expert, and Judith Zinsser, biographer of Emilie du Châtelet, as they illuminate the life of this groundbreaking 18th-century mathematician and philosopher. They delve into her remarkable translation of Newton's Principia, her dynamic relationship with Voltaire, and her fierce struggle for intellectual recognition in a male-dominated society. The conversation sheds light on her innovative ideas and influential role in shaping the Enlightenment discourse.
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Voltaire's Hideout
- Émilie du Châtelet hid Voltaire in her chateau to protect him from authorities after his controversial Lettres Philosophiques.
- This solidified their relationship, leading to a decade of collaboration and intellectual pursuits.
Cosmos Views
- A key scientific debate in the early 18th century revolved around Descartes's and Newton's differing views of the cosmos.
- Descartes envisioned a universe packed with particles, while Newton described vast empty spaces with attracting bodies.
Collaboration and Competition
- Émilie du Châtelet helped Voltaire understand Newton's work for his book, which he acknowledged in the preface.
- Later, she secretly submitted her own essay on fire, differing from Voltaire's, highlighting her intellectual independence.
