Single Idea 22198

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / A. Speculations on Nature / 1. Nature]

Full Idea

Aristotelian physics assumed that celestial motion is naturally circular and eternal while terrestrial motion is naturally toward the center of the earth and final.

Gist of Idea

Aristotelian physics has circular celestial motion and linear earthly motion

Source

Geoffrey Gorham (Philosophy of Science [2009], 4)

Book Reference

Gorham,Geoffrey: 'Philosophy of Science' [One World 2009], p.110


A Reaction

The overthrow of this by Galileo and then Newton may have been the most dramatic revolution of the new science. It opened up the possibility of universal laws of physics.