Leibniz and Newton on Space and Time and Calculus

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture about Leibniz and Newton's ideas on space, time, and calculus.

The Principia

Published in 1687, it contains Newton's foundational work on calculus and physics.

Differential Calculus

The part of calculus developed by Newton during 1665 to 1667, focused on rates of change.

Integral Calculus

The part of calculus that addresses accumulation and areas under curves, connected to differentiation.

Leibniz

A contemporary of Newton, who independently developed calculus and published it first, leading to a feud.

Relational Space

The concept that space is defined by relations between objects instead of existing independently.

Absolute Space

The idea that space exists independently of objects; criticized by Leibniz.

Pendulum Clock

Invented by Christiaan Huygens in 1656, it standardized time measurement for centuries.

Second (time measurement)

Defined as 1/86,400th of a solar day, but now being reconsidered for more precise definitions.

Zeno's Paradox

Philosophical issues regarding motion and change, asserting that motion might be impossible.

Calculus

A branch of mathematics that deals with rates of change (differentiation) and accumulation (integration).

Acceleration

The rate of change of velocity, which has observable effects in the context of absolute space.

Experience and Change

Based on Heraclitus, it asserts that experience is fundamentally about constant change.

Constant Velocity

Motion at a fixed speed in a straight line; can be represented by a linear graph.

Infinitely Divisible Time and Space

The idea that time and space can be divided into infinitely small segments, a topic in calculus.

Limits

A fundamental concept in calculus that describes the behavior of functions as one approaches a specific point.