デカルトの自然学

Abstract

Newtonian mechanics makes the concept of force theoretically unnecessary. The equations of motion can be expressed by kinematical terms only. Also, quantum mechanics achieves the description of the states without making use of the concept of force. It is in this connection that we think cartesian mechanics, with its elimination of 'force', to be worthy of renewed consideration. Descartes regarded all motion as relative and conceived time to be of atomic structure. This latter point we regard as especially significant in view of relativity theory and quantum physics. With Descartes time has, as an abstract objective entity, the character of being atomic with respect to the act of observation. Even for the 'uncertainty' and 'locality' principles which radically differentiate the new physics from the old one, we think we can find some corresponding suggestions in the methodological remarks of Descartes himself. It is in view of above consideration that we have tried here to examine in detail the structure of cartesian physics. The main argument is preceded by a consideration of a few points in his metaphyics and also of his conception of mathematics as a method.