The Institute of Philosophy, RCH, cordially invites you to its upcoming talk Prof. Andrew Janiak Émilie Du Châtelet and the Philosophical Aftermath of Newton’s Physics.

Abstract:

This paper discusses a distinctive aspect of Du Châtelet’s understanding of the relation between physics and metaphysics. Unlike Leibniz’s notion of vis viva, Newton’s conception of universal gravity raised questions about matter and its essence that perplexed even his most ardent supporters. Du Châtelet understood this asymmetry and therefore devoted far more analytical attention to gravity than to vis viva in her Institutions physiques, even though she supported the latter and found the former objectionable. This episode highlights her distinctive approach toward using metaphysics to clarify topics in physical science.

Date: 11 March 2023 (Saturday), 10 am

 Location: Institute of Philosophy, Research Centre for the Humanities, 1097 Budapest, Tóth Kálmán Street 4., 7th floor, Room „Trapéz” (B.7.16)