Émilie du Châtelet
Bring principles and experience into dialogue.
A mathematician, physicist and Enlightenment philosopher, Émilie du Châtelet connects metaphysics, experimentation and scientific translation. Her work on force, Foundations of Physics and annotated Newton translation form an independent intellectual project developed despite barriers facing women scholars.
How does an idea become a trustworthy explanation?
Biography
A mathematician, physicist and Enlightenment philosopher, Émilie du Châtelet connects metaphysics, experimentation and scientific translation. Her work on force, Foundations of Physics and annotated Newton translation form an independent intellectual project developed despite barriers facing women scholars.
02 /Philosophy
A hypothesis can guide inquiry when its consequences meet experience; usefulness does not turn an assumption into certainty.
03 /Reading guides
Original introductions to enter the works, discover their central questions and take the reflection further.
04 /Bibliography
Works, testimonies and further readings are distinguished. Dates refer to composition or first publication, as specified in each entry.
A first reading.
Testing hypotheses
Follow the role of hypotheses and experiment in Foundations of Physics.
Foundations of PhysicsMeasuring force
Reconstruct the physical and institutional questions in the dispute with Mairan.
Reply to MairanStudy and happiness
Read passions and the desire to know in their historical conditions.
Discourse on Happiness