RESPONSES TO NEWTON: THE IMPACT OF THE MATHEMATICAL-EXPERIMENTAL PARADIGM ON NATURAL PHILOSOPHY, EPISTEMOLOGY AND METAPHYSICS (1687 – 1800)
This conference is organized by Karin de Boer (KU Leuven), Steffen Ducheyne (VUB), Arnaud Pelletier (ULB), and Anne-Lise Rey (Paris Nanterre)
The aim of the conference is to take steps towards a balanced and comprehensive account of the multi-faceted effects of Newton’s work on disciplines such as natural philosophy, epistemology, and metaphysics during the late seventeenth- and eighteenth century. Existing research on this topic tends to focus on the ways in which the mathematical-experimental methodology represented by Newton conquered Europe. Challenging this approach, the conference seeks to address the full spectrum of responses to Newton, responses ranging from emulations and appropriations to incisive modifications, distortions, and contestations. Accordingly, the conference seeks to broaden the scope of existing research by addressing non-canonical and canonical philosophers and movements alike. Contributions that deal with historiographical questions and problems are particularly welcome.