Unit 4 - Principles of Analysis – Induction and God: Optics (1704)

Author Bio: Author - Sir Isaac Newton (1642-1727) - Born in Woolsthorpe, England; Mathematician, and Physicist; He attended University of Cambridge's Trinity College, and graduated with a Master of Arts degree in 1669; Newton went on to be a professor who delivered an annual course of lectures. His most renowned pieces of work included the invention of the reflecting telescope in 1668; In 1687, after many months of nonstop work, Newton published Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy. It is known as the most influential book on physics and better known as Principia.

speaker - Sir Isaac Newton

Date/Context: Written in 1704, this was the time period of the Scientific Revolution. During the Scientific Revolution, beliefs and thoughts were changing. As a result, this led to advancements in science, and using science and reason rather than religious beliefs .

Summary: Sir Isaac Newton began by explaining matter and the concept that God produced matter, impenetrable moveable particles. Newton explains the first creation where all of these particles were made and formed. Continuing on, Newton discusses the idea that no matter how these objects were created, any amount of chaos would not have resulted the the tranquil solar system. Furthermore, he made the point that God and the Principles of motion were the cause for this and not yet known. Newton compared this to the perfect uniformity of the bodies of animals. He also highlighted the concept that matter has different densities and forces. Sir Isaac Newton continued to speak on how people must analyze the use of experiments and observation to comprehend the universe. Overall, Newton was attempting to make the point, that God and Science are not necessarily two separate ideas.

Key Quotes:

• "All things being considered, it seems probable to me, that God in the Beginning formed Matter in solid, massy, hard, impenetrable, moveable Particles, of such Sizes and Figures..."
• "As in Mathematics, so in Natural Philosophy, the Investigation of difficult Things by the Method of Analysis, ought ever to precede the Method of Composition."