The Newton Wars and the Beginning of the French Enlightenment

Description

Nothing is considered more natural than the connection between Isaac Newton’s science and the modernity that came into being during the eighteenth-century Enlightenment. Terms like "Newtonianism" are routinely taken as synonyms for "Enlightenment" and "modern" thought, yet the particular conjunction of these terms has a history full of accidents and contingencies. Modern physics, for example, was not the determined result of the rational unfolding of Newton’s scientific work in the eighteenth century, nor was the Enlightenment the natural and inevitable consequence of Newton’s eighteenth-century reception. Each of these outcomes, in fact, was a contingent event produced by the particular historical developments of the early eighteenth century.A comprehensive study of public culture, The Newton Wars and the Beginning of the French Enlightenment digs below the surface of the commonplace narratives that link Newton with Enlightenment thought to examine the actual historical changes that brought them together in eighteenth-century time and space. Drawing on the full range of early modern scientific sources, from studied scientific treatises and academic papers to book reviews, commentaries, and private correspondence, J. B. Shank challenges the widely accepted claim that Isaac Newton’s solitary genius is the reason for his iconic status as the father of modern physics and the philosophe movement.

Description

A study of public culture, this book digs beneath the surface of the commonplace narratives that link Newton with the Enlightenment to examine the actual historical changes that brought them togather in 18th century time and space. Shank re-examines Newton's status as the father of modern physics and the philosophe movement.

Subjects

Other Editions

• The Newton Wars and the Beginning of the French EnlightenmentHardcoverUniversity Of Chicago Press2008-07-01
• The Newton Wars and the Beginning of the French EnlightenmentElectronic resourceUniversity of Chicago Press2008-01-01
• Newton Wars and the Beginning of the French EnlightenmentUniversity of Chicago Press2008-01-01
• Newton Wars and the Beginning of the French EnlightenmentUniversity of Chicago Press2009-01-01