more on this theme     |     more from this thinker


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 41 ideas from 'Principia Mathematica'

Newton developed a kinematic approach to geometry [Newton, by Kitcher]
If you changed one of Newton's concepts you would destroy his whole system [Heisenberg on Newton]
Mass is central to matter [Newton, by Hart,WD]
Newton's Third Law implies the conservation of momentum [Newton, by Papineau]
Newton's four fundamentals are: space, time, matter and force [Newton, by Russell]
Newtonian causation is changes of motion resulting from collisions [Newton, by Baron/Miller]
You have discovered that elliptical orbits result just from gravitation and planetary movement [Newton, by Leibniz]
Newton reclassified vertical motion as violent, and unconstrained horizontal motion as natural [Newton, by Harré]
Inertia rejects the Aristotelian idea of things having natural states, to which they return [Newton, by Alexander,P]
Newton's idea of force acting over a long distance was very strange [Heisenberg on Newton]
Newton introduced forces other than by contact [Newton, by Papineau]
Newton's laws cover the effects of forces, but not their causes [Newton, by Papineau]
Newton's forces were accused of being the scholastics' real qualities [Pasnau on Newton]
Newton showed that falling to earth and orbiting the sun are essentially the same [Newton, by Ellis]
Early Newtonians could not formulate conservation of energy, having no concept of potential energy [Newton, by Papineau]
Newton needs intervals of time, to define velocity and acceleration [Newton, by Le Poidevin]
Newton thought his laws of motion needed absolute time [Newton, by Bardon]
Newtonian mechanics does not distinguish negative from positive values of time [Newton, by Coveney/Highfield]
I suspect that each particle of bodies has attractive or repelling forces [Newton]
We have given up substantial forms, and now aim for mathematical laws [Newton]
I am studying the quantities and mathematics of forces, not their species or qualities [Newton]
An attraction of a body is the sum of the forces of their particles [Newton]
3: All actions of bodies have an equal and opposite reaction [Newton]
1: Bodies rest, or move in straight lines, unless acted on by forces [Newton]
2: Change of motion is proportional to the force [Newton]
If a perfect being does not rule the cosmos, it is not God [Newton]
The elegance of the solar system requires a powerful intellect as designer [Newton]
From the phenomena, I can't deduce the reason for the properties of gravity [Newton]
Science deduces propositions from phenomena, and generalises them by induction [Newton]
Particles mutually attract, and cohere at short distances [Newton]
We should admit only enough causes to explain a phenomenon, and no more [Newton]
Natural effects of the same kind should be assumed to have the same causes [Newton]
I am not saying gravity is essential to bodies [Newton]
If there is no uniform motion, we cannot exactly measure time [Newton]
Time exists independently, and flows uniformly [Newton]
The place of a thing is the sum of the places of its parts [Newton]
Philosophy must abstract from the senses [Newton]
Absolute space is independent, homogeneous and immovable [Newton]
Absolute time, from its own nature, flows equably, without relation to anything external [Newton]
Quantities and ratios which continually converge will eventually become equal [Newton]
The aim is to discover forces from motions, and use forces to demonstrate other phenomena [Newton]