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Descartes's Theory of Light and Refraction: A Discourse on Method, Transactions, American Philosophical Society (Vol. 77, Part 3)

Descartes's Theory of Light and Refraction

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"Descartes's Theory of Light and Refraction" by A. Mark Smith is a mathematics book and learning resource focused on Light & Optics. Best for teachers, students, and readers looking for stronger mathematical understanding.

Contents: (1) Historical Overview; & Descartes's Perspectivist Sources; (2) Analysis of Refraction: Cartesian Light-Theory; & A Critical Evaluation; (3) The Foundations of Perspectivist Optics: Perspectivist Light-Theory; Quantization of Light; & Comparison with Descartes's Theory of Light; (4) The Perspectivist Analysis of Refraction: Physical Model; Physical "Explanation" & The Final Cause; (5) Perspectivist Grounds of the Cartesian Proof: Mathematical Implications; From Cosines to Sines; & Descartes Revisited; (6) Cartesian Light-Theory as a Culmination; Toward a Kinetic Theory of Light; & Epistemological Consequences. App.: The Sine-Law Before Descartes; The Fermat-Descartes Controversy; & Kepler, Descartes & the Anaclastic. Illustrations.

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Best For: Students and researchers interested in the history and analysis of optical theories, particularly Cartesian perspectives on light and refraction.
Focus: Examines Descartes's theory of light and refraction through historical context, mathematical analysis, and critical evaluation.
Covers: Historical overview of Cartesian optics, detailed analysis of refraction, perspectivist light theory, quantization of light, and mathematical foundations of Cartesian proofs.
Why It Matters: Provides a critical and mathematical examination of Descartes's optical theories, contributing to a deeper understanding of the development of light theory and its physical and philosophical implications.

"Descartes's Theory of Light and Refraction" by A. Mark Smith is a mathematics book and learning resource focused on Light & Optics. Best for teachers, students, and readers looking for stronger mathematical understanding.

Topic: Light & Optics

Author: A. Mark Smith

Who this is for:

  • Teachers and classroom instructors
  • Students building subject mastery
  • Readers looking for practical learning support

Why this book matters: It stands out as a practical math resource that helps explain concepts, strengthen problem-solving, and support classroom or independent learning.

Contents: (1) Historical Overview; & Descartes's Perspectivist Sources; (2) Analysis of Refraction: Cartesian Light-Theory; & A Critical Evaluation; (3) The Foundations of Perspectivist Optics: Perspectivist Light-Theory; Quantization of Light; & Comparison with Descartes's Theory of Light; (4) The Perspectivist Analysis of Refraction: Physical Model; Physical "Explanation" & The Final Cause; (5) Perspectivist Grounds of the Cartesian Proof: Mathematical Implications; From Cosines to Sines; & Descartes Revisited; (6) Cartesian Light-Theory as a Culmination; Toward a Kinetic Theory of Light; & Epistemological Consequences. App.: The Sine-Law Before Descartes; The Fermat-Descartes Controversy; & Kepler, Descartes & the Anaclastic. Illustrations.

AuthorA. Mark Smith
PublisherAmerican Philosophical Society
Published1987
ISBN-139780871697738
BindingHardcover
Pages106
LanguageEnglish
SubjectsMathematics
TopicLight & Optics
SeriesTransactions of the American Philosophical Society

Format: Hardcover

Length: 106 pages

Language: English

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