Can we know what Newton's scientific method is?

Document Type : علمی - پژوهشی

Author

Department of Philosophy, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

I have tried to retrieve Newton’s scientific method. To do so, I raise two principal questions: 1. What is Newton’s evolving scientific method that he devised in The Principia and Opticks during a period of fifty years? 2. Can we now, after more than three hundred years, claim with certainty that we know what Newton’s scientific method is?
Conclusions reached:
In order to make those theories readily believable and simultaneously reject those of rival Cartesians, Newton modifies the rules of ‘the game of science’ making them compatible with his theories.
Newton skillfully devises those rules compatible with his ‘physical’ views, in such a way that anyone who accepts those rules would be inclined to infer his theistic belief-system.
Newton does not modify any of his ‘physical’ views in the various editions of The Principia. He introduces some new rules for the ‘game of science’ and invalidates current rules.
Contrary to Newton’s methodological prohibitions about proposing hypotheses which was propounded for his opponents, in practice he had no reservation to engage in hypothesizing.

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References

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