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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 Ref
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]
| 20646 | Helmholtz used 'energy' to mathematically link heat, light, electricity and magnetism [Helmholtz, by Watson] |
| 20644 | Energy has progressed from a mere formula, to a principle pervading all nature [Kelvin] |
| 17540 | Energy is that which moves, and is the substance from which everything is made [Heisenberg] |
| 17541 | Energy is an unchanging substance, having many forms, and causing all change [Heisenberg] |
| 12674 | Energy is the key multi-valued property, vital to scientific realism [Ellis] |
| 15265 | 'Energy' is a quasi-substance invented as the bearer of change during interactions [Harré/Madden] |
| 15280 | 'Kinetic energy' is used to explain the effects of moving things when they are stopped [Harré/Madden] |
| 24162 | Planck introduced the idea that energy can be quantized [Baggott] |
| 21183 | Thermodynamics introduced work and entropy, to understand steam engine efficiency [Hesketh] |