Voltaire, Maupertuis and the 18th century debate on the principle of least action: scientific and extrascientific features
Vol 8, No 2 (2007) • Filosofia Unisinos - Unisinos Journal of Philosophy
Autor: Roberto de Andrade Martins, Ana Paula Bispo da Silva
Resumo:
Towards the middle of the 18th century, Pierre-Louis Moreau de Maupertuis proposed the “principle of least action” as a fundamental law of physics and as a proof of the existence of God. Samuel König and other contemporary authors criticized Maupertuis’ work. There ensued a fierce discussion concerning this subject, in which Leonhard Euler, the king Frédéric II of Prussia and Voltaire took part. This paper discusses that debate, emphasizing its extrascientific features and analyzing the interests that motivated the actions of the people involved in that episode.
ISSN: ISSN: 1984-8234
Texto Completo: http://revistas.unisinos.br/index.php/filosofia/article/view/5818
Palavras-Chave: Pierre-Louis Moreau de Maupertuis,, François
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