Isaac Newton's Scientific Method: Turning Data into Evidence about Gravity and Cosmology

Isaac Newton's Scientific Method examines Newton's argument for universal gravity and his application of it to resolve the problem of deciding between geocentric and heliocentric world systems by measuring masses of the sun and planets. William L. Harper suggests that Newton's inferences from phenomena realize an ideal of empirical success that is richer than prediction. Any theory that can achieve this rich sort of empirical success must not only be able to predict the phenomena it purports to explain, but also have those phenomena accurately measure the parameters which explain them. Harper explores the ways in which Newton's method aims to turn theoretical questions into ones which can be answered empirically by measurement from phenomena, and to establish that propositions inferred from phenomena are provisionally accepted as guides to further research. This methodology, guided by its rich ideal of empirical success, supports a conception of scientific progress that does not require construing it as progress toward Laplace's ideal limit of a final theory of everything, and is not threatened by the classic argument against convergent realism. Newton's method endorses the radical theoretical transformation from his theory to Einstein's. Harper argues that it is strikingly realized in the development and application of testing frameworks for relativistic theories of gravity, and very much at work in cosmology today.

Table of Contents:
Preface Acknowledgements 1: An Introduction to Newton's Scientific Method 2: Newton's Phenomena 3: Inferences from Phenomena (Propositions 1 and 2 Book 3) 4: Unification and the Moon-Test (Propositions 3 and 4 Book 3) 5: Christiaan Huygens: A great Natural Philosopher who measured gravity and an illuminating foil for Newton on method 6: Unification and the Moon-test: Critical Assessment 7: Generalization by Induction (Propositions 5 and 6 Book 3) 8: Gravity as a Universal Force of Interaction (Propositions 7- 13 Book 3) 9: Beyond Hypotheses: Newton's Methodology vs. Hypothetico-Deductive Methodology 10: Newton's Methodology and the Practice of Science Bibliography Index

About the Author :
William L. Harper is Professor Emeritus at the University of Western Ontario, where he has taught since 1970. He has held positions as a visiting Professor at the University of Pittsburgh, Princeton University, and the California Institute of Technology. From 2002 to 2005 he served as President of the Canadian Society for History and Philosophy of Science, having served as First Vice President from 1999 to 2001. He has also served twice on the Governing Board of the Philosophy of Science Association, and was Representative of the Association of Symbolic Logic to the American Association for the Advancement of Science between 1982 and 1988.

Review :
This is a contribution to the history of astronomy that is exceptionally thorough, well-documented and presented. It might not be easy going for the average astronomer or physicist, but I should imagine anyone interested in Newtons great achievements and seventeenth century science should spend some time understanding Professor Harpers arguments and analysis. I came away from it even more impressed with the subtlety of Newtons thought and the greatness of his achievements. Harpers book is an important contribution.