Single Idea 17010

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / D. Laws of Nature / 6. Laws as Numerical]

Full Idea

The moderns - rejecting substantial forms and occult qualities - have undertaken to reduce the phenomena of nature to mathematical laws.

Gist of Idea

We have given up substantial forms, and now aim for mathematical laws

Source

Isaac Newton (Principia Mathematica [1687], Preface)

Book Reference

Newton,Isaac: 'Philosophical Writings' [CUP 2004], p.41


A Reaction

This is the simplest statement of the apparent anti-Aristotelian revolution in the seventeenth century.

Related Idea

Idea 17009 I won't object if someone shows that gravity consistently arises from the action of matter [Newton]