For quite a few years Ive thought that Isaac Newtons laws of motion (well, the first two, at any rate; not sure about the third) are NOT descriptions of what happens in the real world. Rather, I think they should be understood as collectively constituting a rigorous definition or the concept of force, without which scientific physics would be impossible. Think about it: The everyday use of force is too loose for a scientist. If youre going to talk about forces precisely and accurately you need to answer some questions: 1) When can we say a force has been exerted? 2) How can we quantify a force? Newtons first law (inertia) says that when we see an object accelerating, then we know that a force has been applied. The second law (f=ma) defines the units in which force is measured, and gives us a formula for quantifying it. I welcome comments from you all, but especially from the scientists, philosophers, and linguists among you. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newton%27s_laws_of_motion
Posted on: Thu, 11 Dec 2014 19:10:47 +0000
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