2021/12/04 by Hoek, Daniel · 1 citation
#Classical Physics (physics.class-ph) #FOS: Physical sciences #History and Philosophy of Physics (physics.hist-ph)
paper · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2112.02339
Newton's First Law of Motion is typically understood to govern only the motion of force-free bodies. This paper argues on textual and conceptual grounds that it is in fact a stronger, more general principle. The First Law limits the extent to which any body can change its state of motion -- even if that body is subject to impressed forces. The misunderstanding can be traced back to an error in the first English translation of Newton's Principia, which was published a few years after Newton's death.