Newton and Newtonianism

3 credits · Undergraduate

This seminar involves a close study of the work of Isaac Newton, along with that of his supporters and detractors. Beginning with an overview of pre- Newtonian science, topics range from Newton’s rejection of Cartesianism through his contributions to mathematics, physics, astronomy and optics, along with his inductive scientific method, laws of motion and calculus priority dispute with Leibniz. Also considered are lesser-known aspects of his career, such as his secretive pursuit of alchemy, his heretical theology, his attempts to unravel the Apocalypse, his role in British statecraft and his autocratic rule of the Royal Society. A taxonomy of the forms of Newtonianism that emerged after Newton’s death also allows an exploration of iconographical and apologetic uses of Newton, and his differing legacies in the Britain and France. This seminar concentrates on primary readings, including Newton’s Principia (1687), Opticks (1704), alchemical treatises and unpublished theological papers, as well as the Leibniz-Clarke correspondence (1717), anti-Newtoniana and eighteenth- century popularizations of Newtonianism such as Voltaire’s Philosophical letters (1733) and Maclaurin’s Account of Newton’s discoveries (1748). Attention is paid to the social, cultural and political aspects of Newtonianism and no prior knowledge of science is required. CROSSLISTED: EMSP 4310.03 FORMATS: Seminar