Skip to main content

Aristotle: The "Real" Founder of Physics (or so one might say)

Alright, so we're back to this – Aristotle, the "real" founder of physics. Not Newton. Not Galileo. The "Father of Physics" isn't the guy who figured out gravity but the ancient Greek philosopher who spent more time pondering what he saw than actually observing anything. Welcome to the peculiar history of physics.

Aristotle’s Bold Beginnings

Let's give Aristotle his due credit. He did, after all, take some of the first steps in formulating what would one day be called “physics.” But instead of, you know, conducting rigorous experiments, he preferred to deduce things logically. If rocks fall and fire rises, then clearly each has its natural place in the universe – see, no need to get one’s hands dirty.

Aristotle's universe was a mix of four elements – earth, air, fire, and water – with each one having its own personality, as one does. Objects sought their "natural place" because, apparently, rocks and flames are particularly fussy about where they hang out. And for over a millennium, people actually bought into this “wisdom.” Amazing.

Aristotle’s Theory of Motion

In Aristotle’s world, everything has a "natural state." Motion happens only when something “moves” it, so if you push a ball, it rolls only as long as you’re applying force. Once you stop, it stops. Naturally.

This “insight” turned out to be pretty handy – for confusing people for hundreds of years. It wasn’t until folks started actually observing motion closely that they realized the ball doesn’t stop because it wants to – it stops because of friction. But Aristotle didn’t know about friction; he just assumed things moved the way they should because, well, they do. Solid reasoning there, right?

Newton: The Spoilsport

Now, enter Isaac Newton – the guy who couldn’t leave well enough alone. Newton’s big crime was daring to say that the universe runs on a few simple laws, laws that apply everywhere. He ruined the whole mystical vibe that Aristotle and his followers had cherished for ages.

Newton’s Laws of Motion – ever heard of them? Yeah, they basically obliterated Aristotle’s ideas about motion in one fell swoop. Newton said an object in motion will stay in motion unless acted upon by an external force. And an apple famously fell. Aristotle would’ve hated that.

Why Newton Reigns

Newton didn’t just sit around thinking about objects; he did the unthinkable – he experimented. He quantified his observations, invented calculus, and slapped formulas onto his theories. Nothing “natural” about it, mind you – it’s math, it’s universal, it’s unemotional.

So, when people call Newton the father of physics, it’s because he didn’t waste time pondering about "natural places" for rocks and flames. He gave the world laws that actually explain why things move, why they accelerate, and why gravity pulls apples down. He gave us a consistent, testable framework. Such a spoilsport.

Aristotle’s Legacy: Unshakeable

Despite Newton’s breakthroughs, some still insist that Aristotle is the “real” founder of physics. Why? Because he started asking questions. And in a way, it’s nice to see he’s still relevant – not because he was right, but because he got people thinking, even if they thought wrong.

Aristotle's "physics" held sway for centuries. And even though it was fundamentally flawed, it shaped scientific discourse by forcing people to engage in debates – albeit misguided ones. But in that sense, he contributed to physics by accident, a pioneer in a field he barely understood.

Science as Evolution, Not Worship

So, why does all this matter? Because science isn’t about idolizing one “founder” or “father.” It’s about the evolution of ideas. Aristotle laid down the first stones, Newton built the structure, and countless others have added floors to that building.

Newtonian physics was groundbreaking, but even Newton didn’t have the final word – we’ve got relativity and quantum mechanics now, and those make Newton look a tad outdated. But neither Aristotle nor Newton, nor any single figure, gets full credit for physics as we know it. They each played a part, some more convincingly than others.

Final Word

Aristotle may be the “founder,” and Newton may be the “father,” but physics doesn’t belong to any one person. It belongs to those who question, test, and innovate, regardless of title. And in that sense, the real founders of physics are not in the history books.


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Understanding Telos: The Core of Purpose and Meaning

In the grand narrative of human existence, few concepts are as fundamental—and yet as overlooked—as telos. Originating from ancient Greek philosophy, telos translates to “end,” “goal,” or “purpose.” It is not merely an objective to be met, but a profound calling embedded within each of us, guiding us towards fulfillment. Telos suggests that everything has an intrinsic purpose, a reason for being. This is not simply an ambition crafted by society or whim. Rather, telos is the inherent end-point towards which we all are unknowingly striving, often in unconscious ways. This concept, explored extensively by Aristotle, proposes that life is not a chaotic dance of chance. Instead, it’s a purposeful journey where each of us is equipped with the potential to actualize our unique nature. It is this process of aligning with our true telos that allows us to experience a life of meaning. To live without understanding our telos is akin to being lost in a forest without a compass. We might wander, a...

A Review of The Third Eye by Sophia Stewart

Sophia Stewart deems herself "the Mother of the Matrix" on the cover of her book The Third Eye .  For over twenty years now, Stewart has insisted that her original copyrighted material was plagiarized and used to create-not only the Matrix films-but also the Terminator series as well.  She compiles court documents surrounding the Matrix/Terminator RICO case along with the movie treatment, a photocopy of her original manuscript and more. Stewart wants fans to "find out the truth for themselves".  Stewart's story of The Third Eye takes you on a journey into the dystopian future of a post-apocalyptic Earth.  The planet has become barren and the inhabitants are starving and oppressed by evil forces. The sake of all humanity rests in the hands of the prophesied "One" and in the power of the Third Eye.  Stewart blended theological and technological theories into an impressive science-fiction adventure. I was engrossed by the way Stewart wrapped the timeless ...

Understanding Trauma Bonding: Breaking Free From Destructive Cycles

Trauma bonding is a psychological phenomenon that keeps individuals locked into toxic relationships. It occurs when there is an unhealthy attachment between the victim and the abuser, formed through cycles of abuse, followed by brief periods of kindness or affection. This creates a powerful emotional entanglement that’s hard to escape, even when logic tells you otherwise. The fundamental mechanism of trauma bonding lies in the manipulation of reward and punishment. In a trauma bond, the abuser inflicts harm and then offers sporadic gestures of love or care, confusing the victim. This inconsistency triggers the brain’s reward system, which can become addicted to those fleeting moments of relief, trapping the victim in a cycle. To break free, one must first recognize the nature of the bond. It’s not about love, though it may feel that way. Instead, it’s about dependency on unpredictable emotional highs, intertwined with fear and pain. The clarity to see the situation for what it is often...