Plausibility arguments and universal gravitation

Abstract

Newton's law of universal gravitation underpins our understanding of the dynamics of the Solar System and of a good portion of the observable universe. Generally, in the classroom or in textbooks, the law is presented initially in a qualitative way and at some point during the exposition its mathematical formulation is written on the blackboard and some quantitative consequences are discussed. In the present paper we argue that this approach can be improved by the use of plausibility arguments.iopscience.org/ped 1 The eccentricity of the lunar orbit is = ε 0.0549. The eccentricity of the orbit of Mercury, the greatest in the Solar System after Pluto was demoted to the dwarf planet category, is = ε 0.2056.

Logic, mathematics, physics: from a loose thread to the close link: Or what gravity is for both logic and mathematics rather than only for physics

“…Particularly, Newton himself understood his scientific undertaking to describe a physical force or interaction (such as the three fundamental ones meant by the Standard model 18 Riemann 1854. 19 Poincaré 1882; 1902 20 Newton's conception of universal gravitation is widely discussed even nowadays: Slavov 2019; Cunha, Tort 2017;Nacer, Eddine 2016;Sim 2015;Lunteren 1993;Ducheyne 2011;2006b;Nauenberg 2005;Tanona 2000;Onofrio 1998;Ihmig 1993;Dieks 1987;Cushing 1982;Waff 1976;Poultney 1971;Wilson 1970;Westfall 1967;etc. nowadays), called by him universal gravitation 21 , thoroughly and perfectly mathematically in the framework of philosophy, "Philosophiae Naturalis" (in English, Natural Philosophy).…”

Logic, mathematics, physics: from a loose thread to the close link: Or what gravity is for both logic and mathematics rather than only for physics

“…Particularly, Newton himself understood his scientific undertaking to describe a physical force or interaction (such as the three fundamental ones meant by the Standard model 18 Riemann 1854. 19 Poincaré 1882; 1902 20 Newton's conception of universal gravitation is widely discussed even nowadays: Slavov 2019; Cunha, Tort 2017;Nacer, Eddine 2016;Sim 2015;Lunteren 1993;Ducheyne 2011;2006b;Nauenberg 2005;Tanona 2000;Onofrio 1998;Ihmig 1993;Dieks 1987;Cushing 1982;Waff 1976;Poultney 1971;Wilson 1970;Westfall 1967;etc. nowadays), called by him universal gravitation 21 , thoroughly and perfectly mathematically in the framework of philosophy, "Philosophiae Naturalis" (in English, Natural Philosophy).…”