Danilo Capecchi Livres

Focusing on the evolution of ideas surrounding the motion of bodies, this book offers a unique perspective on the history of mechanics, prioritizing understanding over a traditional chronological account. It emphasizes significant contributions in thermodynamics while intentionally overlooking aspects like fluid mechanics and post-Newtonian astronomy. By employing both synchronic and diachronic analyses, the work highlights key theories and their historical contexts, allowing readers to grasp the deeper intellectual currents that shaped scientific thought on motion.

The history of classical mechanics is explored, tracing the evolution of study methods from ancient Greece in the fourth century BC to the late nineteenth century in Europe. The book evaluates the effectiveness of forces by examining the virtual motion of their points of application, providing insights into the development of scientific thought and methodologies in mechanics over centuries.

Focusing on the 18th century, this book explores the significant transformation from natural philosophy to modern scientific disciplines, such as mathematics, physics, and chemistry. Often deemed unremarkable in the history of science, this era is revealed as a time of substantial innovation and intellectual growth during the Enlightenment. The narrative highlights the transition from the groundbreaking achievements of the 17th century to the rapid advancements of the 19th century, showcasing the 18th century's critical role in shaping modern science.

This book casts new light on the process that in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries led to a profound transformation in the study of nature with the emergence of mechanistic philosophy, the new mixed mathematics, and the establishment of the experimental approach. It is argued that modern European science originated from Hellenistic mathematics not so much because of rediscovery of the latter but rather because its “applied” components, namely mechanics, optics, harmonics, and astronomy, and their methodologies continued to be transmitted throughout the Middle Ages without serious interruption. Furthermore, it is proposed that these “applied” components played a role in their entirety; thus, for example, “new” mechanics derived not only from “old” mechanics but also from harmonics, optics, and astronomy. Unlike other texts on the subject, the role of mathematicians is stressed over that of philosophers of nature and the focus is particularly on epistemological aspects. In exploring Galilean and post-Galilean epistemology, attention is paid to the contributions of Galileo’s disciples and also the impact of his enemies. The book will appeal to both historians of science and scientists.