Did Newton's mechanical universe actually support his religious convictions?
In short: Isaac Newton viewed the regularity of the universe as a profound religious sign. This video explores the scientific and aesthetic implications of his approach and how his ideas shifted from being seen as supportive of religion to being viewed in a very different light within fifty years.
The University of Oxford's Andreos Idreos Professor of Science and Religion, Alister McGrath, explores profound inquiries stemming from scientific methods applied to the natural world. He considers how Newton's demonstration of universal regularity carried significant religious weight, while noting that the perception of his work underwent a major shift in the decades following his discoveries.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: The Clockwork God: Isaac Newton and the Mechanical Universe - Alister McGrath
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