History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps HoP 467 Written in Mathematics: Descartes’ Physics
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Apr 13, 2025 Descartes revolutionizes our understanding of physics by blending geometry and natural laws. He challenges Aristotelian ideas, proposing that the body is purely geometrical. His approach redefines matter, dismissing intrinsic qualities. Discover how his three laws of motion reflect a unique view of the universe while navigating the balance between math and empirical evidence. This exploration highlights Descartes' profound influence on subsequent thinkers and the philosophical implications of his innovative concepts.
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Descartes' Physics
- Descartes believed that extension is the principal attribute of body.
- This means the essence of body is nothing but extension, a concept central to his physics.
Mathematical Physics
- Descartes' physics connects the real world with mathematical constructions.
- Bodies are concrete, moving extensions, differing from abstract geometrical figures.
Cartesian Matter
- Descartes' concept of matter differs from the Aristotelian view.
- Instead of featureless prime matter, Cartesian matter is a solid body filling space completely.
