THE PROBLEM OF CIRCULAR MOTION IN RENE DESCARTES

The purpose of this study is to illustrate Descartes' doctrine of circular motion, highlighting its foundations and difficulties. The connection of circular motion with other basic assumptions of Cartesian physics, in particular with the plentitude principle, is discussed. The mechanics behind the circular motion is examined, with reference to the example of the sling and of the rotating tube. The significance of circular motion for fundamental phenomena in Descartes' physics, such as gravity and light, is explained