Single Idea 15280

[catalogued under 27. Natural Reality / A. Classical Physics / 2. Thermodynamics / a. Energy]

Full Idea

The 'store' of kinetic energy is used as a latency concept to explain the power of bringing about changes which is manifested by the moving thing when its motion is arrested.

Gist of Idea

'Kinetic energy' is used to explain the effects of moving things when they are stopped

Source

Harré,R./Madden,E.H. (Causal Powers [1975], 6.IV)

Book Reference

Harré,R/Madden,E.H.: 'Causal Powers: A Theory of Natural Necessity' [Blackwell 1975], p.116


A Reaction

These ideas have been most illuminating in connecting for me the general idea of a 'power' to the rather dubious concept of 'energy' in physics.

Related Ideas

Idea 15279 Energy was introduced to physics to refer to the 'store of potency' of a moving ball [Harré/Madden]

Idea 15266 We say the essence of particles is energy, but only so we can tell a story about the nature of things [Harré/Madden]