Newton's sensorium : anatomy of a concept / Jamie C. Kassler.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Kassler, Jamie Croy, author.

Contributor:

Harry E. Humphreys Book Fund.

Series:

Archimedes (Dordrecht, Netherlands) ; 1385-0180 v. 53.

Archimedes : new studies in the history and philosophy of science and technology, 1385-0180 ; volume 53

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Newton, Isaac, 1642-1727.

Newton, Isaac.

Physics--Philosophy.

Physics.

Senses and sensation.

Metaphysics.

Physical Description:

xxv, 190 pages : illustrations ; 25 cm.

Place of Publication:

Cham, Switzerland : Springer, [2018]

Summary:

These chapters analyze texts from Isaac Newton's work to shed new light on scientific understanding at his time. Newton used the concept of 'sensorium' in writings intended for a public audience, in relation to both humans and God, but even today there is no consensus about the meaning of his term. The literal definition of the Latin term 'sensorium', or its English equivalent 'sensory', is 'thing that feels' but this is a theoretical construct. The book takes readers on a process of discovery, through inquiry into both Newton's concept and its underlying model. They will see how certain widespread assumptions can be called into question, such as that Newton was a theological voluntarist for whom the will is superior to the intellect, or that, for Newton, not only the world or universe but also God occupies the whole extent of infinite space.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references Pages 153-171) and indexes.

Local Notes:

Acquired for the Penn Libraries with assistance from the Harry E. Humphreys Book Fund.

ISBN:

331972052X

9783319720524

OCLC:

1009069387