more from R.D. Ingthorsson

Single Idea 22618

[catalogued under 27. Natural Reality / A. Classical Physics / 1. Mechanics / b. Laws of motion]

Full Idea

While the first and second laws of motion are known to fail in the domain of very fast-moving and massive objects (i.e. where relativity deviates from classical mechanics) as well as in the quantum realm, the third law is still assumed to hold good.

Gist of Idea

In modern physics the first and second laws of motion (unlike the third) fail at extremes

Source

R.D. Ingthorsson (A Powerful Particulars View of Causation [2021], 4.04)

Book Reference

'Oxford Handbook of Philosophy of Time', ed/tr. Callender,Craig [OUP 2013], p.64


A Reaction

This implies a universal status for the third law (equal and opposite reactions), which the other two lack. Ingthorsson sees this as crucial for our understanding of causation.