The Impact of Newtonian Science

Essay # 6781

Mathematics

A description of Newton's creation of calculus and its impact on the world, both socially and scientifically.

1,825 words () | 8 sources | MLA | 2002 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper helps to explain and justify the creation of calculus. Isaac Newton helped to solve some of the most perplexing problems the world has imagined, and the method he used in doing so is still used for the same purpose today. Newton's creation of calculus and ideas of using it to prove the universal laws of nature made human reason the most powerful method of thought and most definite route to seeking the truth.

From the Paper:

"In mathematics, a certain surprising thing happens again and again. Someone poses a simple question, a question so simple that it seems no useful result can come from answering it. And yet it turns out that the answer opens the door to all kinds of interesting developments, and gives great power to the person who understands it." (Saywer 3) This quote from a prestigious professor of mathematics parallels the story of Isaac Newton and his development of calculus. Isaac Newton helped to solve some of the most perplexing problems the world has imagined, and the method he used in doing so is still used for the same purpose today. There is a popular myth that Newton was sitting under a tree when an apple fell from it, and he asked himself what force could pull the apple to the Earth. Whether this story is true or not is uncertain, but the image is clear of Newton getting hit on the head with the apple of epiphany. He used calculus to prove that gravity pulled objects to Earth and held the planets together, and also to prove his world-renowned three laws of motion. By forming this revolutionary method of problem solving, Newton not only paved the way for new roads in mathematics but also changed the way that people thought and sought out answers. Newton's creation of calculus and ideas of using it to prove the universal laws of nature made human reason the most powerful method of thought and most definite route to seeking the truth.

More papers on The Impact of Newtonian Science:

View more related papers »

Cite this paper

APA Citation:

The Impact of Newtonian Science (2012, January 15). Retrieved February 13, 2012, from http://www.academon.com/Essay-The-Impact-of-Newtonian-Science/6781