Mathematizing Metaphysics

The Case of the Principle of Least Action

Bibliographic Data

ID10703683
AuthorsMichael Veldman (corresponding author)
Year2024
Volume91
Issue2
Pages351-369
Publication date2024-04-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenuePhilosophy of Science (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0031-8248 • E-ISSN: 1539-767X
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/psa.2023.120
OpenAlexW4387312960
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited14

Standard narratives about physical teleology say its death was a fait accompli of the Scientific Revolution, but the principle of least action (PLA) has been taken to instantiate teleology’s survival into Enlightenment physics. Other scholars claim this PLA-based teleological metaphysics fell to general philosophical attacks on final causes. None of these narratives fully captures the philosophical interest of its demise. It illustrates a metaphysics being refuted because it could not be coherently modeled in mathematics, hence directly through mathematization and not by philosophical argument or empirical test

Action (physics) · Argument (complex analysis) · Demise · Enlightenment · Epistemology · Metaphysics · Narrative · Physics · Political science · Quantum mechanics · Teleology · Chemistry · Diverse Historical and Scientific Studies · Historical Philosophy and Science · History of Science and Medicine · Law · Philosophy

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Open DOIOpen Access