Newton on Mathematics and Spiritual Purity
By: by Ayval Leshem
Series: International Archives of the History of Ideas / Archives Internationales d'Histoire des Idées -- 183; International Archives of the History of Ideas / Archives Internationales d'Histoire des Idées -- 183
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
Published: 2003
Place of publication: Dordrecht
Language: eng
Format: [electronic resource] /
Number of pages: 239
ISBN-13: 9789048162314; 9789401703673
Subjects: Humanities; Science; Religion (General); Philosophy; History
Description: This book deals with Newton's understanding of the original divine design hidden in the mathematical laws of nature and delivered to humanity by messengers, such as Noah, Moses and Christ. It is written to an audience of laymen and professionals alike. It is the first scholarly work to point out that for Newton the three laws of motion the Principia and the two central Biblical Commandments (worshipping and loving God alone and loving thy neighbour) touch upon the practical applications of God's original design. The book interprets Newton's mathematical method of fluxions (the calculus) as a divine method through which human beings can purify and guard themselves against material bondage (idolatry), whilst becoming more in tune with the simplicity of the spiritual commandments of the true ancient religion. A comparison with Leibniz's calculus and theological beliefs is given in order to emphasize the uniqueness of Newton's science and spirituality.
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Table of contents: title: Preface; title: 1. The Search for Truth; title: 2. The Mathematical Principles of God's Design; title: 3. Newton's Methods of Fluxions; title: 4. Leibniz's Calculus; title: 5. Newton's and Leibniz's Notions of Space and Time; title: 6. God's Absolute Perspective According to Newton; title: 7. God's Infinite Perspective According to Leibniz; title: 8. The Sacrificial Fire and Alchemy; title: 9. The Tabernacle and the Two Jewish Temples; title: 10. Finale: Why does God Hide the Heavenly Music; title: Bibliography; title: Index.