Single Idea 14168

[catalogued under 27. Natural Reality / A. Classical Physics / 1. Mechanics / a. Explaining movement]

Full Idea

The concept of motion is logically subsequent to that of occupying as place at a time, and also to that of change. Motion is the occupation, by one entity, of a continuous series of places at a continuous series of times.

Gist of Idea

Occupying a place and change are prior to motion, so motion is just occupying places at continuous times

Source

Bertrand Russell (The Principles of Mathematics [1903], §442)

Book Reference

Russell,Bertrand: 'Principles of Mathematics' [Routledge 1992], p.469


A Reaction

This is Russell's famous theory of motion, which came to be called the 'At-At' theory (at some place at some time). It seems to mathematically pin down motion all right, but seems a bit short on the poetry of the thing.

Related Idea

Idea 22747 A man walking backwards on a forwards-moving ship is moving in a fixed place [Sext.Empiricus]