more from this thinker     |     more from this text

Single Idea 17015

[filed under theme 27. Natural Reality / D. Time / 3. Parts of Time / d. Measuring time ]

Full Idea

It is possible that there is no uniform motion by which time may have an exact measure. All motions can be accelerated and retarded, but the flow of absolute time cannot be changed.

Gist of Idea

If there is no uniform motion, we cannot exactly measure time

Source

Isaac Newton (Principia Mathematica [1687], Def 8 Schol)

Book Ref

Newton,Isaac: 'Philosophical Writings' [CUP 2004], p.66

Related Idea

Idea 17012 Time exists independently, and flows uniformly [Newton]

The 5 ideas with the same theme [how we measure intervals and transits of time]:

22963 We measure change by time, and time by change, as they are interdefined [Aristotle]
22968 Circular motion is the most obvious measure of time, and especially the celestial sphere [Aristotle]
17015 If there is no uniform motion, we cannot exactly measure time [Newton]
12487 We can never show that two successive periods of time were equal [Locke]
22882 We use calendars for the order of events, and clocks for their passing [Bardon]