Combining Philosophers

All the ideas for Herodotus, J.R. Mayer and St Peter

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3 ideas

27. Natural Reality / A. Classical Physics / 1. Mechanics / d. Gravity
Gravity isn't a force, because it produces effects without diminishing [Mayer]
     Full Idea: If gravity be called a force, a cause is supposed which produces effects without itself diminishing, and incorrect conceptions of the causal connexions of things are thereby fostered.
     From: J.R. Mayer (Remarks on the forces of inorganic Nature [1842], p.199), quoted by Brian Ellis - Scientific Essentialism 8.03
     A reaction: This seems like a brilliant prelude to the proposal that gravity is actually the 'curvature' of space (whatever that is!).
29. Religion / D. Religious Issues / 1. Religious Commitment / e. Fideism
Always be ready to give reasons for your beliefs [Peter]
     Full Idea: Be ready to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.
     From: St Peter (21: First Epistle of Peter [c.50], 3:15)
     A reaction: This quotation is the rational theologian's standard response to pure fideism.
29. Religion / D. Religious Issues / 2. Immortality / a. Immortality
The Egyptians were the first to say the soul is immortal and reincarnated [Herodotus]
     Full Idea: The Egyptians were the first to claim that the soul of a human being is immortal, and that each time the body dies the soul enters another creature just as it is being born.
     From: Herodotus (The Histories [c.435 BCE], 2.123.2)