The Continuous and the Discrete: Ancient Physical Theories from a Contemporary Perspective

ISBN-13: 9780198239529 / Angielski / Twarda / 1992 / 368 str.

Michael J. White

Opis

This book presents a detailed analysis of three ancient models of spatial magnitude, time, and local motion. The Aristotelian model is presented as an application of the ancient, geometrically orthodox conception of extension to the physical world. The other two models, which represent departures from mathematical orthodoxy, are a "quantum" model of spatial magnitude, and a Stoic model, according to which limit entities such as points, edges, and surfaces do not exist in (physical) reality. The book is unique in its discussion of these ancient models within the context of later philosophical, scientific, and mathematical developments.

Recenzje

'His discussion reveals the conceptual assumptions underlying each position, and his conjectures ... are thought-provoking.' S. Leggatt, University of Reading, The Classical Review, Vol. XLIII, No. 2, 1993

Spis treści

I. Spatial magnitude, time, and motion: An Aristotelian model: Aristotle: The formal analysis of spatial magnitude and locomotion; Aristotle on time and locomotion: Physics and metaphysics; Aristotelian kinematics and non-locomotive Kineseis; Aristotle and the mathematicians, ancient and modern; II. Spatial magnitude, time, and motion: Alternatives to Aristotelianism; The quantum model: Spatial magnitude; The quantum model: Time and locomotion; The Stoic model; Peroration.