69 research outputs found
The âDynamicsâ of Leibnizian Relationism: Reference Frames and Force in Leibnizâs Plenum
This paper explores various metaphysical aspects of Leibnizâs concepts of space, motion, and matter, with the intention of demonstrating how the distinctive role of force in Leibnizian physics can be used to develop a theory of relational motion using privileged reference frames. Although numerous problems will remain for a consistent Leibnizian relationist account, the version developed within our investigation will advance the work of previous commentators by more accurately reflecting the specific details of Leibnizâs own natural philosophy, especially his handling of the dynamical interactions of plenum bodies
Perfect Solidity: Natural Laws and the Problem of Matter in Descartes' Universe
In the Principles of Philosophy, Descartes attempts to explicate the well-known phenomena of varying bodily size through an appeal to the concept of "solidity," a notion that roughly corresponds to our present-day concept of density. Descartes' interest in these issues can be partially traced to the need to define clearly the role of matter in his natural laws, a problem particularly acute for the application of his conservation principle. Specifically, since Descartes insists that a body's "quantity of motion," defined as the product of its "size" and speed, is conserved in all material interactions, it is imperative that he explain how solidity influences the magnitude of this force. As a means of resolving this problem, Descartes postulated an idealized condition of "perfect solidity" which correlates a body's "agitation" force (a forerunner of Newton's concept of non-accelerating, or "inertial" motion) with the interplay of its volume, surface area, and composition of minute particles. This essay explores this often misunderstood aspect of Descartes' physics, as well as the special function of idealized conditions in his collision rules. Contrary to those commentators who regard "perfect solidity" as a stipulation on bodily impact, this notion, it will be argued, is primarily concerned with the internal composition of macroscopic bodies, and only indirectly with their collision characteristics. Along the way, many of Descartes' hypotheses will be shown to display a level of sophistication and intricacy that, despite their essential incompatibility, belie several of the common misconceptions of Cartesian science
Conventionalism in Reidâs âGeometry of Visiblesâ
The role of conventions in the formulation of Thomas Reidâs theory of the geometry of vision, which he calls the âgeometry of visiblesâ, is the subject of this investigation. In particular, we will examine the work of N. Daniels and R. Angell who have alleged that, respectively, Reidâs âgeometry of visiblesâ and the geometry of the visual field are non-Euclidean. As will be demonstrated, however, the construction of any geometry of vision is subject to a choice of conventions regarding the construction and assignment of its various properties, especially metric properties, and this fact undermines the claim for a unique non-Euclidean status for the geometry of vision. Finally, a suggestion is offered for trying to reconcile Reidâs direct realist theory of perception with his geometry of visibles
Situating Kantâs Pre-Critical Monadology: Leibnizian Ubeity, Monadic Activity, and Idealist Unity
This essay examines the relationship between monads and space in Kantâs early pre-critical work, with special attention devoted to the question of ubeity, a Scholastic doctrine that Leibniz describes as âways of being somewhereâ. By focusing attention on this concept, evidence will be put forward that supports the claim, held by various scholars, that the monad-space relationship in Kant is closer to Leibnizâ original conception than the hypotheses typically offered by the later Leibniz-Wolff school. In addition, Kantâs monadology, in conjunction with Godâs role, also helps to shed light on further aspects of his system that are broadly Leibnizian, such as monadic activity and the unity of space
Hume and the Perception of Spatial Magnitude
This paper investigates Hume's theory of the perception of spatial magnitude or size as developed in the _Treatise\u3cD\u3e, as well as its relation to his concepts of space and geometry. The central focus of the discussion is Hume's espousal of the 'composite' hypothesis, which holds that perceptions of spatial magnitude are composed of indivisible sensible points, such that the total magnitude of a visible figure is a derived by-product of its component parts. Overall, it will be argued that a straightforward reading of this hypothesis fails to do full justice to the complexity of Hume's theory of spatial perception and geometry, and that a more adequate treatment must also admit an important role for the more direct process of spatial magnitude perception which he dubs 'intuition
Existentialism and Monty Python: Kafka, Camus, Nietzsche, and Sartre
This essay utilizes the work of the comedy group, Monty Python, as a means of introducing basic concepts in Existentialism, especially as it pertains to the writings of Nietzsche, Sartre, and Camus
Space and the Extension of Power in Leibnizâ Monadic Metaphysics
This paper attempts to resolve the puzzle associated with the non-spatiality of monads by investigating the possibility that Leibniz employed a version of the extension of power doctrine, a Scholastic concept that explains the relationship between immaterial and material beings. As will be demonstrated, not only does the extension of power doctrine lead to a better understanding of Leibnizâ reasons for claiming that monads are non-spatial, but it also supports those interpretations of Leibnizâ metaphysics that accepts the real extension of bodies
Leibniz and the Metaphysics of Motion
This essay develops a interpretation of Leibnizâ theory of motion that strives to integrate his metaphysics of force with his doctrine of the equivalence of hypotheses, but which also supports a realist, as opposed to a fully idealist, interpretation of his natural philosophy. Overall, the modern approaches to Leibnizâ physics that rely on a fixed spacetime backdrop, classical mechanical constructions, or absolute speed, will be revealed as deficient, whereas a more adequate interpretation will be advanced that draws inspiration from an invariantist conception of reality and recent non-classical theories of physics
Newton on the Structure and Parts of Space
This presentation will investigate the parts of space, and its relationship with metrical structure, in Newtonâs natural philosophy. The historical background to Newtonâs claims will form an important part of the investigation, in addition to an assessment of the recent articles by Nerlich, Huggett, Maudlin, DiSalle, Torretti, McGuire, and several others, on this subject. While various aspects of these previous contributions will prove informative, it will be argued that the underlying goals of Newtonâs pronouncements on the parts of space, including their ontological implications for absolute and/or substantival space, have largely eluded prior analysis
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