Voltaire, Maupertuis and the 18th century debate on the principle of least action: scientific and extrascientific features
2007; Volume: 8; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês
10.4013/5818
ISSN1984-8234
AutoresRoberto de Andrade Martins, Ana Paula Bispo da Silva,
Tópico(s)Historical and Literary Studies
ResumoTowards the middle of the 18th century, Pierre-Louis Moreau de Maupertuis proposed the “principle of least action” as a fundamental law of physics and as a proof of the existence of God. Samuel Konig and other contemporary authors criticized Maupertuis’ work. There ensued a fierce discussion concerning this subject, in which Leonhard Euler, the king Frederic II of Prussia and Voltaire took part. This paper discusses that debate, emphasizing its extrascientific features and analyzing the interests that motivated the actions of the people involved in that episode. Key words: Pierre-Louis Moreau de Maupertuis, Francois Marie Arouet Voltaire, Johann Samuel Konig, Frederic II – king of Prussia, principle of least action, history of physics, scientific controversies.
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