Matter and Form in Early Modern Science and Philosophy

Download or read book Matter and Form in Early Modern Science and Philosophy written by and published by BRILL. This book was released on 2012-06-22 with total page 258 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Matter and form have been fundamental principles in natural science since Greek Antiquity and their apparent rejection during the seventeenth century typically has been described as a precursor to the emergence of modern science. This volume reconsiders the fate of these principles and the complex history of their reception. By analyzing work being done in physics, chemistry, theology, physiology, psychology, and metaphysics, and by considering questions about change, identity, and causation, the contributors show precisely how matter and form entered into early modern science and philosophy. The result is our best picture to date of the diverse reception of matter and form among the innovators of the early modern period.