Historical development of Newton’s laws of motion and suggestions for teaching content

Headnote

Received 28 Apr., 2014

Revised 22 Jun., 2014

Abstract

A review of the history of Newton's Laws of Motion illustrates that the historical development gradually shifted away from intuitive experiences and daily life conventions towards a scientific regulated perspective. Three stages of the historical development are discussed, i.e. prior to the Principia, the 3rd (last) edition of the Principia, and the modern view developed during the 18th - 19th centuries. Four key terms are elaborated, i.e. Newton's 1st Law, inertia, force, and Newton's 2nd Law. Owing to the initiation of scientific tools and the on-going modifications of the meanings of the key terms, the modern view varies dramatically from Newton's perspective. Thus, it is suggested that teaching content should avoid directly translating from Newton's publications, and the modernized definitions of the key terms should be thoroughly informed, which includes initiation of new scientific tools, modification of the meanings of the key terms, and alteration of the causal relations among related variables.

Introduction

By reviewing the history of Newton's Laws of Motion, we argue that what are contemporarily called "Newton's Laws" vary considerably from those accepted in Newton's age. Thus, teaching content and textbooks should modernize their content by avoiding statements similar to Newton's original publications, and supplement thorough details of the modernized definitions of the key terms.

A review of the historical development of Newton's Laws of Motion is presented in three stages of time: (1) prior to the Principia, (2) the 3rd (last) edition of the Principia, and (3) the modern view. Then, suggestions for teaching content are provided.

Historical development of Newton's Laws of Motion

The meanings and functions of Newton's original form of laws of motion changed significantly over time. Three stages of the historical development are compared, i.e. (1) prior to the Principia, (2) the final version of the Principia, and (3) a modern view, which is the result of modifications made during the 18th - 19th centuries.[1]

Topics of Newton's 1st Law (NFL), inertia, force, and Newton's 2nd Law (NSL), are discussed in sequence following the three stages. Quotes from the literature are supplied to illustrate the meanings of the key terms/concepts.

Prior to the Principia

As noted by Westfall (1980, p.152),

The laws of motion as Newton understood...