Leonhard Euler’s reflections on “space” and “time”
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1590/0101-3173.2024.v47.n3.e02400196Keywords:
Metaphysics, Space, Time, Euler, MechanicsAbstract
The paper discusses Leonhard Euler’s theses in Reflections on space and time. After a brief introduction to the debate about the nature of space and time in the 17th and 18th centuries and Euler’s position in it (section 1), the paper advances two hypotheses. Based on an approach to Isaac Newton’s writings, it is argued that Euler understands the notion of “reflection” as a rational activity of thought (section 2). Furthermore, it is argued that Euler’s silence about the nature of absolute space and time must be understood in the same way as Newton’s refusal to discuss the nature of gravity. Space/time and gravity exist; however, their natures are not accessible to the human mind (section 3).
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Recebido: 30/12/2023 – Aprovado: 13/02/2024 – Publicado: 15/06/2024
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