Reading Assignment 15: Newton’s Principia Required Readings:

Questions: • Does Newton think geometry teaches us how to construct line segments and circles? Why or why not? In light of your answer, conjecture what Newton might say about whether geometry teaches us how to construct other curves, like parabolas. • In your own words, explain what you think Newton might mean by “rational mechan-ics.” • According to Domski, does Newton accept Descartes ’ method of classifying which curves are simpler than others? Explain. Note: Questions 1 and 2 are open-ended: there is no obvious “correct ” answer for either question. Some interpretations are better than others, however. Give the first two questions your best shot and provide some textual evidence to support your answers