Conceptual Science

Exploring Section 7-3 of The Feynman Lectures on Physics In Chapter 7-3 of  The Feynman Lectures on Physics , Richard Feynman leads us into the heart of classical dynamics with characteristic clarity and wit. Here, he explores the transition from Kepler’s observational laws of planetary motion to the mechanistic understanding forged by Galileo and Newton. With a nod to discarded medieval theories — complete with wing-beating angels — Feynman reintroduces us to the foundational principles that govern motion, inertia, and force. This entry examines the development of these ideas, tracing their historical origins and unpacking the method behind Feynman’s deceptively simple explanations. From Angels to Axioms: Early Theories of Planetary Motion Feynman opens with characteristic humour, recalling an archaic cosmological explanation: planets were propelled by invisible angels flapping their wings. Such whimsical imagery, though fanciful to modern ears, reflects a genuine philosophical st...