Heuristics of Newtonian Gravity

The classic example of a successful research program is Newton’s gravitational theory, probably the most successful Lakatosian research program. Initially, Newton’s gravitational theory faced a lot of “anomalies” (“counterexamples”) and contradicted the observational theories that supported these anomalies. But supporters … Read More

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Henri Poincaré, Quanta hypothesis: Conclusions

We see what is the state of the question; the ancient theories, which hitherto seemed to account for all known phenomena, have encountered an unexpected obstacle. It seemed that a modification was necessary. A hypothesis was first presented in Mr. … Read More

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Henri Poincaré, Quanta hypothesis: The ideas of Mr. Sommerfeld

Mr. Sommerfeld has proposed a theory which he wants to relate to that of Mr. Planck, although the only connection between them is that the letter h appears in both formulas, and that the same name of quantum of action … Read More

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Henri Poincaré, Quanta hypothesis: The new theory of Planck

Let us go back to less general and more precise problems, for example to the theory of radiation. Mr. Planck has devised an amendment to his first theory, and I would like to say a few words about it. According … Read More

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Henri Poincaré, Quanta hypothesis: Quanta of action

The new design is seductive by a certain side; for some time the tendency has been to atomism, matter appears to us as formed of indivisible atoms, and the electricity is no longer continuous, it is no longer divisible to … Read More

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Henri Poincaré, Quanta hypothesis: More on quanta of energy

Statistical equilibrium can only be established if there is exchange of energy between the resonators, otherwise each resonator would retain its initial energy, which is arbitrary, indefinitely, and the final distribution would obey no law. This exchange could not be … Read More

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