Saturday, April 2, 2011

Natural Philosophy


Natural philosophy refers to the study of nature and the physical universe. It is also said to be the origins of modernity. It focused on studying and observing all aspects of nature and the function and the structure of natural objects. Some of the well-known natural philosophers and natural scientists are Robert Hooke, Isaac Newton, Benjamin Franklin, Galileo Galilei, Robert Boyle and John Herschel. There is no doubt that natural philosophy contributed to the advancement of modern science and technology.
Here are some quotes from the natural philosophers and scientists.
To the natural philosopher there is no natural object unimportant or trifling… a soap bubble… an apple… a pebble… A mind that has once imbibed a taste for scientific enquiry has within itself an inexhaustible source of pure and exciting contemplations. Where the uninformed and unenquiring eye perceived neither novelty nor beauty, he walks in the midst of wonders.  
John Herschel, A Preliminary Discourse io the Study of Natural Philosophy


Someone asked me – what’s the use of a balloon? I replied – what’s the use of a newborn baby?
Benjamin Franklin, during the launch of the first ‘true’ hydrogen balloon by Dr Alexandre Charles

We are to admit no more causes of natural things than such as are both true and sufficient to explain their appearances.  
Isaac Newton, Principia: The system of the world

(Overall sources: Natural Philosophy)


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