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Single Idea 17546

[from 'Principia Mathematica' by Isaac Newton, in 14. Science / B. Scientific Theories / 6. Theory Holism ]

Full Idea

The connection between the different concept in [Newton's] system is so close that one could generally not change any one of the concepts without destroying the whole system

Gist of Idea

If you changed one of Newton's concepts you would destroy his whole system

Source

comment on Isaac Newton (Principia Mathematica [1687]) by Werner Heisenberg - Physics and Philosophy 06

Book Reference

Heisenberg,Werner: 'Physics and Philosophy' [Penguin 1989], p.82


A Reaction

This holistic situation would seem to count against Newton's system, rather than for it. A good system should depend on nature, not on other parts of the system. Compare changing a rule of chess.