Publication Details

Abstract

The article deals with the preconditions for Newton’s elaboration of the fundamental concepts of his mechanics and for his formulation of its laws from the methodological point of view. The author clarifies physical and philosophical influences of his predecessors, especially those of Descartes, Galilei, Kepler and Huygens. He also gives a critical analysis of the influence of Aristotelian and Descartian philosophy in distinguishing between philosophical and physical concept of mass which Euler made more accurate. The influence of Newton’s mechanics on the development of the classic mechanics with regard to modern physical theories is examined as well.